Pax with the Death and the Assumption of the Virgin, anonymous, c. 1490 - c. 1520
ivory, h c.21.3cm × w c.12.7cm × d c.8.2cm Catalogue entry
During the Middle Ages, it became the custom for the faithful to exchange a kiss during Mass as a sign of atonement and peace. The pax (the Latin word for ‘peace’) was a decorated object with a handle at the rear, which was kissed and then passed on to the next person.
