The Chertsey Tiles: Pen Box by Gabriella Moscardelli '24
12023-01-17T09:56:48-08:00Brooke Hendershottb0a907cd0f989ee79e94592378a1545647719cfb394471For more information about the Chertsey tiles and associated medieval objects, visit https://chertseytiles.holycross.edu.plain2023-01-17T09:56:48-08:00YouTube2023-01-12T20:37:33Zqr6CibB1NE4The Chertsey TilesBrooke Hendershottb0a907cd0f989ee79e94592378a1545647719cfb
Elephant ivory, one of the most precious medieval materials, was imported to Europe from Africa and sometimes from India. Both rare and able to hold intricate, carved details, it was a valued medium among Christian and Muslim craftsmen across the Mediterranean. The softness and fine grain of ivory enabled the carving of detailed animal iconography including the African gazelles, lions, boars, and cranes.
This pen box was made in Amalfi, Italy, for a son of the Christian Mansone family, a ducal power in the eleventh century. The Latin inscription, “Taurus filius Mansonis” (Taurus, the son of Manson), records the name of its owner. Christians and Muslims alike exalted the written word, and this elegant box housed pens and other writing tools, demonstrating dedication to writing, education, and status.
