Pendant in the form of a cock, anonymous, c. 1590 - c. 1610
In the 16th century, large, irregularly shaped pearls often served as the point of departure for a jewellery design. In this case, the pearl forms the body of a cock. Its head, tail and feet are made of gold. The jeweller enamelled these parts in various colours and set them with (what are probably) rubies. This cock was certainly part of the Dutch stadtholders’ collection from the 18th century.