Wooden Box with Bronze Balance Scale

500–600
Not on view
Scales such as these were used throughout the Byzantine world to measure money and other lightweight objects. According to Byzantine law, the suspension cord of the scales was to be held by two fingers of one hand, with the other fingers straight to ensure that no undue pressure was placed on the scales. The wooden storage container protected the delicate balance of the mechanism.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Wooden Box with Bronze Balance Scale
  • Date: 500–600
  • Geography: Made in Byzantine Egypt
  • Culture: Coptic
  • Medium: Wooden box and copper alloy scale
  • Dimensions: Overall: 1 5/16 x 9 1/8 x 3 9/16 in. (3.3 x 23.2 x 9.1 cm)
    Scale set up on mount c-e: 6 7/8 x 8 7/16 x 2 in. (17.4 x 21.4 x 5.1 cm)
  • Classification: Woodwork-Miscellany
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1914
  • Object Number: 14.2.2a-e
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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