Rock Crystal Vase

A rock crystal vase is a vase made of rock crystal, a type of hardstone carving.

Some such vases were rare expensive items, decorated with gold and jewels, used by royalty in Europe.

A rock crystal vase that probably originated in the seventh century was given to William IX of Aquitaine (the Troubadour) by a Muslim ally. When Eleanor of Aquitaine, William IX's granddaughter, married King Louis VII of France in 1137, she gave him the rock crystal vase as a wedding present. The inscription on it says he, in turn, gave it to the Abbey of St.-Denis. It is now in the Louvre in Paris and is the only artifact of Eleanor's known to exist today.

Another was a crystal and gold posset set the Spanish Ambassador gave Mary I of England and Philip II of Spain as a betrothal gift. It was made by Benvenuto Cellini and the whole set is now on display at Hatfield House (England).

Famous quotes containing the words rock, crystal and/or vase:

    Together, we three, until the world crumbles and there is no longer a stone or a rock or a tree or a blade of grass.
    Griffin Jay, and Harold Young. Mehemet Bey (Turhan Bey)

    Wynken, Blynken, and Nod one night
    Sailed off in a wooden shoe—
    Sailed on a river of crystal light,
    Into a sea of dew.
    Eugene Field (1850–1895)

    We must rest here, for this is where the teacher comes.
    On his desk stands a vase of tears.
    John Ashbery (b. 1927)