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
Museum record:
View original
Palette