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

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

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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