O Death Necklace

The other shape,
If shape it might be call'd that shape had none
Distinguishable in member, joynt, or limb,
Or substance might be call'd that shadow seem'd,
For each seem'd either; black it stood as Night,
Fierce as ten Furies, terrible as Hell,
And shook a dreadful Dart; what seem'd his head
The likeness of a Kingly Crown had on.

-John Milton, Paradise Lost

The laser-cut birchwood pendant is 2.5 in x 3.75 in x .125 in and hangs on a braided, 16 in black-dyed 3 mm leather cord with a 3 in gold-plated brass extender. Each piece has been stained black and hand painted with acrylic paints.