Bezoar
3rd quarter 16th c.
The bezoar, a gastrolith (stomach stone) from goats and llamas, has found use as a medium against poison, epilepsy, and melancholy since antiquity. It was often mounted on golden chains or in vessels, as its healing powers could supposedly diffuse in contact with liquids. Here, the precious base emphasises the importance of this particularly large stone as a healing agent and Kunstkammer object.
The bezoar, a gastrolith (stomach stone) from goats and llamas, has found use as a medium against poison, epilepsy, and melancholy since antiquity. It was often mounted on golden chains or in vessels, as its healing powers could supposedly diffuse in contact with liquids. Here, the precious base emphasises the importance of this particularly large stone as a healing agent and Kunstkammer object.
Time:
3rd quarter 16th c.
Object Name
Bezoar
Culture
Spanish
Material/technology:
Bezoar, gold, emeralds, rubies
Dimensions:
H. 25,5 cm, B. 16 cm, T. 13,3 cm
Copyright
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Kunstkammer
Invs.
Kunstkammer, 981
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