Cologne (dpa / lnw) – It is crystal clear, hard and cool: the rock crystal has always fascinated people. An exhibition in the Schnütgen Museum in Cologne (until March 19, 2023) is dedicated to the “magic rock crystal”. Around 130 objects from international collections are on display, from antiquity to the late Middle Ages. Curator Manuela Beer said on Wednesday that it was the first exhibition in the world to focus on rock crystal in ancient art.
Among other things, magnificent vessels, chess pieces and jewelry are on display. Numerous sacred objects testify to the importance of transparent crystal in Christianity: the precious stone adorns crosses and shrines and is primarily used as a reliquary. Venetian and Islamic rock crystal works can also be seen.
During excavations near Cologne Cathedral in 2005, the remains of a rock crystal workshop from the 12th century were discovered. Many individual parts such as splinters, iron hammers and a whetstone document this unique find.
Rock crystal cooling balls were put in people’s pockets on hot days. The Vikings made optical lenses from the crystal – but it is unclear whether they actually used them as magnifying glasses at the time. Anyone who believes in the healing power attributed to rock crystal should always carry it with them as an amulet. In fortune telling, looking into the crystal ball is said to reveal something about the future.
