Rock Crystal Dish in the Form of a Temple
Unknown Artist
3rd–5th century
Medium
Rock crystal
Dimensions
Overall: 2 3/8 x 1 5/8 in. (6 x 4.1 cm)
Classification
Lapidary Work-Crystal
Culture
Roman or Byzantine
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Ada Small Moore, 1955
Accession Number
55.135.5
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Rock Crystal Dish in the Form of a Temple dating to the 3rd–5th century, exemplifies lapidary artistry of the late Roman or early Byzantine world. Carved from a single piece of translucent rock crystal—a rare and precious material prized for its clarity and durability—this diminutive dish measures just 2 3/8 x 1 5/8 inches (6 x 4.1 cm). Its form mimics a classical temple, complete with architectural details like columns and a pediment, transforming a functional object into a miniature marvel of sacred symbolism. Rock crystal's hardness made it a challenging medium for ancient ...