Copper-Alloy Balance Weight with Cross in a Circular Border

5th–6th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 301
Crosses became a popular decoration on Byzantine weights.

In Byzantium, precise measurement of goods was achieved by a set of standard balance weights.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Copper-Alloy Balance Weight with Cross in a Circular Border
  • Date: 5th–6th century
  • Culture: Byzantine
  • Medium: Copper alloy
  • Dimensions: 3/8 × 1 × 1 in., 1.8oz. (1 × 2.5 × 2.5 cm, 51g)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Copper alloy
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Christopher C. Grisanti and Suzanne P. Fawbush, and Alastair B. Martin Gifts, 2002
  • Object Number: 2002.213.6
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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