File:Medieval impersonal (uninscribed) seal matrix (FindID 451043).jpg

English: A complete cast copper-alloy medieval seal matrix of conical form (c. 14th century AD). The handle is hexagonally faceted. Its moulded collar is elaborate with three ridges, the central one thicker than those above and below; the terminal for suspension is trefoilate. The terminal is perforated with recesses extending into the lobes. The circular die has an outer beaded border. The main, central field is rectangular; to the sides is symmetrical decoration rather than an inscription. To each side of the main field are three 'V's, a line between the central one and those flanking it. The device is carved in intaglio and extends, at the top to the outer border. It depicts a canopied niche picked out with pellets with three small triangles between, uppermost. There is a female, draped standing figure to one side holding an object, probably a wheel. To her side is a figure in drapery, kneeling in an attitude of prayer, possibly holding a palm branch, and separated from the first figure by a curtain, architectural element, or the 'floating' palm branch. It is assumed that the first figure is St Catherine, the palm branch a symbol of her martyrdom, with a donor kneeling before her (cf. ref. SUSS-73AC91 on this database). Below the figures, under a line, are three incised lines, one vertical, the others splayed out one each side. The artefact has a dark-green patina. An uninscribed seal matrix depicting a figure under a canopy can be found illustrated in Read (1995, 74; ref. 425).