A golden shoulder clasp from the late 6th or early 7th century is a remarkable example of early medieval art. Discovered during an archaeological dig at Sutton Hoo, this object's intricate craftsmanship helps us understand cloisonné. We explore the clasp's design and detail what the cloisonné technique is, comparing it to examples from ancient Egypt and Ming China.

Main object: Shoulder-Clasp, late 6th–early 7th century CE, gold, garnet, millefiori glass, Sutton Hoo, Ship-burial Mound 1, Suffolk, England, 12.7 x 5.4 cm. The British Museum

Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank