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Unknown Maker, Italian

Cup
Now On View

Description

Maker

Unknown Maker, Italian

Culture

Italian

Title

Cup

Year

1550-1600

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

enamel, Quartz crystal

Dimensions

Height: 20 cm (7 7/8 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Mary B. Jackson Fund

Object Number

32.010

Type

Exhibition History

Exhibition History

European Galleries
Sep 02, 2017

Label copy

This glass-like quartz cup was very challenging to make. Because rock crystal is very hard, it required great skill not to crack the vessel while hollowing out the form and carving the intricate decoration on the surface. Engraved areas are often left unpolished in order to contrast with the high sheen of the polished crystal ground.

A renewed interest in rock crystal emerged in Italy during the Renaissance, especially as a material for vessels. Rock crystal was found in abundance in the Swiss Alps.

Use & Feedback

Image use

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This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Italian
Cup, 1550-1600
Rock crystal quartz with enamel on metal
Height: 20 cm (7 7/8 inches)
Mary B. Jackson Fund 32.010

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