The mystery of the three hares

Ever spotted this motif of three hares in a circle? The trio appear in medieval churches in rural England, Buddhist temple caves in China, and on the back of an Islamic coin; but does anyone know why? Art historian Sue Andrew is the co-author of The Three Hares: A Curiosity Worth Regarding which examines these very mysterious hares.

(Photo: Three hares motif taken at South Tawton Church, Dartmoor, England by Chris Chapman of the Three Hares project )