c.c1300 in Great Britain

Original stone finish

This ancient and enigmatic symbol depicts three hares prancing round each other.The essential and defining feature of the Three Hares image being that each hare shares its ears with its neighbours, joining them together and forming a central trefoil. There are only ever three ears. But they are quite mysterious; the hares' origin and meaning remain obscure.

The image of the Three Hares extends far wider, with British examples to be found in Chester Cathedral, St Davids Cathedral in Wales and as far north as Yorkshire. In Europe the Three Hares have been found in France and Germany. Probably the earliest example discovered so far appears as a cave painting in China, dating from about AD 600, whilst other ancient images of the Three Hares have been identified in Nepal, Iran and Afghanistan. The earliest known example in the UK dates back to about 1300

Approx height: 4 7/8 inches (12 1/2 cm)

Weight: 500 grams