Flemish - Pendant with a Lion - Walters 57618

This pendant was designed around the voluptuous but irregular shape of a baroque pearl which forms part of the body of the lion. This kind of light, amusing, showy pendant was apparently meant to be worn at events such as weddings. Its charm depends on its design rather than on a massing of precious stones. This type of design is associated with the late 16th-century Southern Netherlands jewelry designer Hans Collaert.