What's this?
The glazed tile which has been placed into a gilt wood and velvet was produced by the American Encaustic Tile Company, Ltd. in 1885.
The relief portrays a man in Renaissance costume.
Can you tell me about this artist please?
Sure! Maso di Banco was one of the great figures of 14th century Italian painting. His work is heavily influenced by that of the well-known Giotto, though it's unlikely that Maso di Banco actually trained with him.
Scholars do believe that Maso di Banco trained with Bernardo Daddi who did train with Giotto. Generally, this artist's life and career is poorly documented, but many paintings have been attributed to him based on their distinctive stylistic characteristics.
Very nice, thank you so much.
We like the rigid line symbols framed by the loose flower pattern
That sign is "shou" which means longevity.
You'll notice that the same symbol is used in the holes to allow incense smoke to escape in the lid.
Can you tell me why the side of the bed holding the mattress is jutting out?
It has to do with the construction of the bed! You are looking at handles on each side of the mattress, which are levers that help make for quick disassembling. The bed could be easily taken apart and saved in case of fire. This kind of bed construction, patented by Belter, also eliminated joints and recesses found in other beds where bedbugs could hide!
Ok thank you!
I am looking at the two busts of Isis. On the green colored sculpture, why is there a rectangle shape on her headdress?
It is in the shape of an ancient Egyptian throne (if you look at it from the side, you can see that it is stepped), and represents how important Isis is to the king in terms of ancient Egyptian mythology.
It is also an easy way for scholars to identify a sculpture as depicting Isis.
Do all Isis sculptures usually have the throne on their head?
Not all, but many! In the myth, Isis was the wife of the legendary first king of Egypt, Osiris. When Osiris was murdered, he became the king of the afterlife and his son with Isis, Horus, became king of earth. Osiris had already died with Horus was born so Isis raised her son alone.
This blue is absolutely radiant. It's far deeper a hue than anything else in the exhibit I think. Do you know what dyes or minerals were used to achieve such a radiant and striking color?
The deep, bright blue was achieved with a cobalt glaze that was fired at extremely high temperatures, making it extremely durable. Cobalt can withstand the intense heat required in porcelain firing and still maintain its blue color. Unlike paintings or textiles, this beautiful blue will not fade with time!
It was produced by the Limoges Factory, which has been producing luxury porcelain since the 1700's. So they have it down in terms of producing bright and reflective colors.
Who is likely to have sat on this seat?
It would have been the Chinese elite.
Would this just be for decoration or does it have a use?
It most definitely is functional. Although elaborately decorated, it is a functioning incense burner. It would have been used in a Buddhist Temple context in 18th century China.
The top of the vessel opens and incense would have been placed inside.
Ah that is cool, thank you
Tell me more.
This work is an altarpiece, which functioned as a focal point and instructional tool during worship for centuries in Christian Europe. Visual representations of Biblical characters were essential, as most people in society at the time were illiterate.
At the center are the Virgin Mary in her signature blue cloak with the Christ child in her lap holding a clear crystal sphere. Lutes, the stringed instruments at either side of the image, were considered the "prince of instruments" in Renaissance Europe; the instrument was prized for the way that talented players could produce two or more melodies at the same time. Flutes, in the Renaissance era, were used to accompany other instruments and/or voices. Details like this made Biblical images more relatable.
Why are some coffins bigger than others? Is it a status thing? Or is it just more money, bigger coffin? Is there a belief that a bigger/grander coffin equals a cushier afterlife?
There are a number of factors. Money is, of course, part of it, as well as time period and the type of coffin. Many wealthier Egyptians would have multiple coffins that nested inside one another requiring larger coffins for the outer layers.
This anthropoid---human shaped---coffin may have been Teti’s only coffin or may have been designed to fit inside of a larger rectangular one.
Awesome! Thanks!
