MISERONI, Gasparo
(b. ca. 1518, Milano, d. 1573, Milano)

Lidded Bowl in Prase

1565-70
Prase, set in enamelled gold and various gems, 19 x 24 x 16 cm
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna

Prase is a gemstone from the quartz family, which has been greatly coveted since ancient times. The Greeks named it for its characteristic leek-green colour. An unusually large piece of this rare stone was used for this lidded bowl, set in enamelled gold, rubies, emeralds, pearls, onyx cameos.