Rijksmuseum

Dragon-Shaped Toothpick Pendant

Date

c. 1550 - c. 1600

Medium

pearl, gold (metal), precious stone (material)

Institution

Rijksmuseum

This pendant is not just an ornament: hold it upside down and the pointed tail becomes a toothpick. Many portraits from the 16th century indicate that men often wore this type of pendant. It was usually attached to a chain around the neck and prominently visible. While practical, it was also a sign of wealth, class, and dignity.

The authoritative record is held by Rijksmuseum. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.