Artwork preview

Reliquary in the shape of a stupa

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The object is a transparent, glass-like container. The bottom half of the object is bulbous and roughly egg-shaped. It transitions into a narrow rectangular section, which then leads to a tall, tapered spire. The spire's sides are ridged. The object sits on a flat surface and casts a shadow to the right. The background is dark at the top and lightens toward the bottom.

Artwork Details

Date
3rd–4th century CE
Medium
Rock crystal
Culture
Sri Lanka, central or western regions
Dimensions
599 × 616 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette