Miniature Altar
Asian Art
MEDIUM
Stone
DATES
n.d.
DIMENSIONS
1 1/4 x 1 x 1/2 in. (3.2 x 2.5 x 1.3 cm)
ACCESSION NUMBER
2021.1.119
CREDIT LINE
Bequest of Dr. Samuel Eilenberg
PROVENANCE
Prior to 1998, provenance not yet documented; by 1998, acquired by Samuel Eilenberg of New York; 1998, bequeathed by Samuel Eilenberg to the Brooklyn Museum; April 6, 2021, accessioned by the Brooklyn Museum.
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CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Small square gray stone with spout, likely representing an altar, possibly a yoni. There is a deep incised rectangle running the periphery of the top surface and then continuing into the spout, suggesting the channel used for draining sacrificial fluids during rituals. At the center is a floral motif carved in very low relief.
Arrived identified as a seal, but nature of carving and shape of stone suggests that it was more likely a miniature representation of an altar, possibly to be used when traveling or to serve as an amulet.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
RECORD COMPLETENESS
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