Chalcedony rectangular prism
Unknown Artist
ca. 1750–1600 BCE
Medium
Chalcedony, burnt
Dimensions
L. 2 cm; W. 0.7 cm
Classification
Gems
Culture & Period
Minoan · Middle Minoan III
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Richard B. Seager, 1926
Accession Number
26.31.156
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite chalcedony rectangular prism, dating to the Middle Minoan III periodca. 1750–1600 BCE), offers a glimpse into the sophisticated world of Minoan Crete. Carved from burnt chalcedony—a durable microcrystalline quartz variety heat-treated to achieve a rich, translucent hue—this tiny gem measures just 2 cm long and 0.7 cm wide. Likely used as a seal or stamp, its compact form highlights the Minoans' mastery of miniature craftsmanship, perfect for impressing designs into clay for administrative or ownership purposes. Adorned with intricate hieroglyphs, the prism bears symbols from on...