Rattle made of a memorial coin from 1641
This coin was made to commemorate the marriage of William II with his child bride Maria Stuart on May 12 1641. On the front: The couple holding each others hands and inscriptions referring to the fact that their fathers arranged this marriage. Charles I needed Dutch support in the civil wars and the Dutch were seeking for status.
front, detail
In the back the future residence of the couple "Het Buitenhof" is visible. Two small angels hold laurels above their heads. Usually the man would be portrayed on the left side due to the higher status of males in that period. But Mary Stuart, as the daughter of England's powerful King, takes here this position. The divine rays of light represent the divine approval of the marriage.
The Prince, in the guise of Pallas, escorted by an angle, receives the olive branch symbolising peace with next to him Ceres and Amor.
Wedding coin, verso, detail.
Coral teether in the shape of a horse head
Since old times coral was widely known as a defense against evil. Especially in the period when children were teething a coral teething piece was used for the relief of pain and protection against evil and illness. This particular item is a teething piece of coral with branches which is carved in the shape of a horse head with flowing mane. At the top is a suspension ring so the teether could be attached to the child with a ribbon or chain.
horse head
detail of the golden top
The golden toppiece is shaped by bended acanthus leaves. At the top is a suspension loop to attach the teether to a ribbon or chain.
Kalung Baddèran
This necklace was once worn by Chinese girls or circumcised Javanese Boys. The dragon-fish is of Chinese origin and is connected to the primordial waters and fertility. Similar pieces can be found in the Amsterdam Tropenmuseum.
This dragon fish is made of gold and has a piece of jade in the middle of its body. The eye is a ruby.
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rattleteetherHangamuletrattle