Woodville Pyx

Description

A cylindrical lidded silver pyx, believed to be English and dating from the 15th century. A pyx is a vessel in which consecrated bread is kept. The lid and body are joined by a hinge. A small figure of a dog over the hinge may be a greyhound, the emblem of the Woodville family. Elizabeth Woodville was the wife of Edward IV of England. In the centre of the lid there is a cone-shaped protuberance. The box is inscribed with the names of the Magi who visited Jesus in Bethlehem: Jasper, Melchior and Balthazar. Probably English.