Vase

Unknown

mid-17th century · Jasper, silver gilt · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This small ovoid-shaped vase is carved of brownish jasper. Its short neck is embellished with an engraved gilded-silver mount. The body, supported on a round foot, is decorated with several moldings which visually divide the vase into different parts. Jasper can have many colors including red, yellow, brown, and green, but is most commonly red. Its color is believed to affect the magical qualities of the silica-based mineral although all colors are thought to have a calming effect.

Artist

Unknown

Date

mid-17th century

Medium

Jasper, silver gilt

Culture

French

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917