Valve of a Mirror Case

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The only known surviving element from a Romanesque mirror case, this valve was originally slotted and joined by a clasp to a matching one. Mirrors of polished silver were fitted into the inner facings. The surface of the cast and chased case has been extensively worked to resemble champlevé enameling. The dragon motifs can be compared to those on the bowl of a drinking cup (acc. no. 47.101.31) and the knop of the Bertinus chalice ( acc. no. 47.101.30), both of which are also listed in this database. The foliate lugs and attached rings are modern additions.

Medieval Art and The Cloisters

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world. Displayed in both The Met Fifth Avenue and in the Museum's branch in northern Manhattan, The Met Cloisters, the collection encompasses the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome in the fourth century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the early sixteenth century. It also includes pre-medieval European works of art created during the Bronze Age and early Iron Age.

Metropolitan Museum of Art