Inkpot with a Monk in a Pulpit, anonymous, c. 1380 - c. 1400
boxwood, h 92.1mm × w 56.5mm × d 44mm × d 16mm Catalogue entry
This amusing tableau of a monk who can barely see over the edge of the pulpit is actually a unique medieval inkpot: a scribe could dip his pen or quill in the sleeves of monk’s habit. The scene might refer to the Carthusians, who because of their vow of silence were not allowed to spread the Word of God verbally, but only in writing.
