cma-medieval-art: Mounted Rock Crystal, 500s-600s, Cleveland Museum of Art: Medieval ArtWhen this ob
cma-medieval-art: Mounted Rock Crystal, 500s-600s, Cleveland Museum of Art: Medieval ArtWhen this object was acquired, it was thought to be a container for holy oil or another sacred relic or substance. However, closer examination revealed that the rock crystal prism at the object’s core is completely solid, leaving no room in which to insert such matter. The object’s original function thus remains unclear. It may have served as an amulet, a magical object meant to protect its owner from evil and mishaps.Size: Overall: 10.2 x 1.9 x 1.6 cm (4 x ¾ x 5/8 in.)Medium: gold, quartz, almandinehttps://clevelandart.org/art/1953.640 -- source link
#cmaopenaccess#clevelandartmuseum#museumarchive#medievalart