Rock Crystal Dish in the Form of a Temple
Not on view
This rock crystal carving found in a cistern in Carthage (now in Tunisia, North Africa) demonstrates the quality of the arts of that great city as the Roman world became Byzantine. The Roman naturalist Pliny, describing its beauty, believed crystal to come from snow. It was thought to protect against kidney ailments and other diseases.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.