Decorated Key

Photographer:

Sami Mitri

Title:

Decorated Key

Description:

Key decorated at the top with a modified Corinthian capital surmounted by four reclining lions, below which are four dolphins with balls in their mouths. Although keys were indispensable instruments of security in ancient times, only a few exquisite keys have survived.

Iron, bronze and silver
Sohag, Monastery of the Archimandrite Shenoute (The White Monastery)
5th/6th century

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