Antique Scottish Chaney Shard Pendant

This piece has been crafted from a spongeware plate dating to the mid-1800s. It was recovered in the Firth of Forth estuary near Edinburgh, Scotland, where spongeware pottery was produced. Bits like this were likely discharged to the sea by the manufacturer. Measures 1.5" x 1.5" n nOld pottery and china shards/chards like these are called "chaneys" and often wash ashore from shipwrecks. It is believed the name chaney evolved from people using the pieces for games and calling them them “china money” or “chiney money” or “chaney.”