Images(2)

inlay

Object NameDisk

Made FromGlass

Dateabout 300-699

Place MadeRoman Empire; Eastern Mediterranean

TechniqueFlattened, applied

SizeOverall Diam: 2.4 cm, Th: 0.4 cm

Accession Number76.1.165

Credit LineGift of Carl Berkowitz and Derek Content

Curatorial Area(s)

Ancient

Not On View

Interpretive Notes

Web Text

The object is the size and shape of a counter or gaming piece, but the presence of an unmistakable chi-rho suggests that it had religious significance. Part of the edge above the motif is missing, and it is possible that a suspension loop was attached at this point, in which case the disk could be explained as a Christian amulet.

Physical DescriptionTranslucent deep blue, opaque yellow and red glasses; flattened with applied ornament. Circular disk of blue glass, with applied decoration on one surface of yellow Chi-rho, with yellow circular patches at bottom of upright part of rho and at ends of crossbar; four yellow circular patches near edge of disk, in spaces between extremities of letters; every patch has red spot at center. Other surface is matte and rather rough, presumably because of surface against which blob of molten glass was pressed.
Provenance

Source Derek Content - 1976-01-01

Source Carl Sandler Berkowitz - 1976-01-01

Former Collection Ray Winfield Smith (American, 1897-1982)