Vessel
Unknown Artist
late 16th century
Medium
Crystal, silver- or brass-gilt
Dimensions
Height: 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm)
Classification
Natural Substances-Rock Crystal
Culture
Italian, Milan or German
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George Blumenthal, 1941
Accession Number
41.100.314
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Vessel*, crafted in the late 16th century exemplifies the pinnacle of Renaissance-era luxury craftsmanship in European decorative arts. Fashioned from rock crystal—a prized natural substance known for its exceptional clarity and translucency vessel stands at 9 3/4 inches (24.8 cm) tall. It is adorned with intricate silver- or brass-g mounts, enhancing its opulence, and features delicate engravings of birds, a motif symbolizing grace and the natural world in period art. Likely originating from Milan, Italy, or Germany, this piece reflects the sophisticated workshops of the time...