Game Piece with Samson Slaying the Philistines with the Jawbone of an Ass

1140–50

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 304

The treatise written for craftsmen by the early-twelfth-century monk Theophilus recommends using the red root of the madder plant to stain ivory. Staining allowed one side to be easily distinguished from the other, which was often left unpainted.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Game Piece with Samson Slaying the Philistines with the Jawbone of an Ass
Date: 1140–50
Culture: German
Medium: Elephant ivory, red stain
Dimensions: Overall: 2 1/2 x 1/2 in. (6.3 x 1.3 cm)
Classification: Ivories-Elephant
Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Object Number: 17.190.141
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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