Vintage stoneware tankard featuring the Sanctuary Ring from Durham Cathedral.
The Sanctuary Ring on the north door of the Cathedral (now replaced by a replica while the original is kept on display in Durham Cathedral Museum) is a bronze door ring dating from the 1100's. The design is based on a medieval ‘Hellmouth’ image, designed to frighten away evil. It shows the head of a lion eating a man, while the man’s legs hang out of the lion's mouth and a double-headed snake bites his feet.
Made by ceramic artist Jerry Harper, circa 1980.
140mm (H) x 145mm (W) including the handle.
