1180-1200
United Kingdom
Object qualities
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Objectinterior decoration: Mirror case valve
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumBronze gilt
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Size4 3/8 Г— 3/8 in. (11.1 Г— 0.9 cm)
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Geography details
United Kingdom -
Country today
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Date1180-1200
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CultureBritish
Source of information
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Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
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Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
Description
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The only known surviving element from a Romanesque mirror case, this valve was originally slotted and joined by a clasp to a matching one. Mirrors of polished silver were fitted into the inner facings. The surface of the cast and chased case has been extensively worked to resemble champlevé enameling. The dragon motifs can be compared to those on the bowl of a drinking cup (acc. no. 47.101.31) and the knop of the Bertinus chalice ( acc. no. 47.101.30), both of which are also listed in this database. The foliate lugs and attached rings are modern additions.