Vessel in the form of a dragon, anonymous, c. 1625 - c. 1650
gold (metal), h 19cm × w 60.5cm × d 14.5cm More details
The dragon shape of this vessel alludes to the special powers ascribed to rock crystal: it was thought to change colour or crack when it came into contact with poison. Dragon blood was considered the deadliest substance known to man. The dragon, which now somewhat resembles a crocodile, originally had wings.