The John Bargrave Collection

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Mounted Bezoar Stones, Seychelles Nuts, and Rhinoceros Horns: Decorative Objects as Antidotes in Early Modern Europe

Secondary Title (i.e. Proceedings Title): Periodical Title:Studies in the Decorative Arts Publication Type: Authors:Stark, Marnie P. Editors: Publisher: Place of Publication: Publication Date:. Fall/Winter 2003-2004 Alternate Date (i.e. Conference Date): Volume:11 Issue:1 Start Page:69 End Page:94 Abstract:Exotic curiosities like bezoar stones (hardened alimentary accretions from various sources), Seychelles nuts (the large fruit of the coco-de-mer palm), and rhinoceros horn were collected by the wealthy in Europe from the Middle Ages. These objects were mounted as decorative items, or made into cups or jugs, to take advantage of their supposed medicinal properties. Bezoar stones, in particular, were prized as a safeguard against poison. Descriptors/Keywords: Art objects
Decorative arts
Decoration & ornament
Horns (Anatomy)
Bezoars
Antidotes ISBN: URL:

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