Flat Weight

Description These small weights were used with a scale for weighing light, valuable objects like coins and jewelry. To fight widespread corruption, bronze weights were controlled by the government, with the value engraved directly onto the square. The cross on this bronze weight (one ounce) implies the authority and sanction of God and, therefore, honest weighing.

Provenance Maurice Nahman, Cairo, by purchase; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1930, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters, 1930