This IRISH CLADDAGH SUN CATCHER was based on the Irish legend surrounding fisherman Richard Joyce. Captured at sea by pirates and sold into slavery in Algeria, he became the servant of a Moorish goldsmith. Over time, he became a master craftsman and fashioned the first Claddagh design in honor of the girl he left behind in Ireland. The design incorporated a heart representing love, a pair of hands representing true friendship, and a crown representing loyalty and fidelity. When once Again a free man, Joyce returned to his native Galway, Ireland and found that his sweetheart had waited for him. He gave her the Claddagh he had created and they lived "happily ever after". Made by Pairpoint Glass, America's oldest glass company. The glass is individually hand pressed from molds that are engraved freehand with hammer and chisel. Individual variations such as bubbles and shear marks may occur caused by the process of hand gathering the glass. Approximately 4.25" in diameter. shown in a lightened version of cobalt blue glass. Ready to hang. Packaged in a Pairpoint Glass box.
