Urna Collection

Shakyamuni, Nepal (copper alloy and gilt)
3362114 Shakyamuni, Nepal (copper alloy and gilt) by Nepalese School, (12th century); Patan Museum, Durbar Square, Patan, Nepal; (add.info.: Shakyamuni - the historical Buddha)

Genoa, Duomo (St Lawrence Cathedral), St St John the Baptist Chapel: "The Ark of the relics of St St John
6372285 Genoa, Duomo (St Lawrence Cathedral), St St John the Baptist Chapel: " The Ark of the relics of St St John the Baptist - detail of the preaching of St St John the Baptist"

Earthenware urn
6263028 Earthenware urn by Etruscan; Museo Claudio Faina, Orvieto, Italy; (add.info.: Orvieto, Museo Faina: urna cineraria in terracotta.); Ghigo Roli; out of copyright

Genoa, Duomo (St Lawrence Cathedral), St St John the Baptist Chapel: "The Ark of the relics of St St John
6372280 Genoa, Duomo (St Lawrence Cathedral), St St John the Baptist Chapel: " The Ark of the relics of St St John the Baptist - detail of Herodias receiving the head of St John

Genoa, Duomo (St Lawrence Cathedral), St St John the Baptist Chapel: "The Ark of the relics of St St John
6372282 Genoa, Duomo (St Lawrence Cathedral), St St John the Baptist Chapel: " The Ark of the relics of St St John the Baptist - detail of Herodias receiving the head of St John the Baptist

Etruscans in garlands lying on couches at a feast. Servants bring food and wine, while musicians play lyre, panpipes and flute

Scene from Petroniuss Satyricon. Trimalchio comes to have dinner after a bath, led by a servant. Another servant takes off his shoes, while an old man plays the tibia or aulos

Roman lictors in toga and laurel wreath
Roman lictors, bodyguards to magistrates, in toga and laurel wreath, with their ceremonial fasces or bipennis. Littori. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Corsi from Giulio Ferrarios Costumes

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"Urna: A Glimpse into Ancient Art and History" Step into the world of ancient art and history with the captivating urna. This remarkable artifact, made of copper alloy and gilt, takes us back to Nepal during the time of Shakyamuni. In Genoa's St Lawrence Cathedral, within the St John the Baptist Chapel, lies a treasure known as "The Ark of the relics of St John the Baptist. " Delve deeper into its intricate details, such as the depiction of St John's beheading or his powerful preaching that left an indelible mark on those who witnessed it. Traveling further through time and space, we encounter an Etruscan cinerary urn adorned with a figure of a deceased person holding a bowl amidst a battle scene. This piece showcases not only artistic skill but also provides insight into Etruscan burial customs. Another earthenware urn catches our attention—a humble vessel that holds stories untold. It reminds us that even in simplicity lies significance. Returning to Genoa's Duomo once more, we witness Herodias receiving the head of St John the Baptist in one detail from "The Ark. " The emotions captured in this scene are palpable—grief mixed with vengeance. Moving beyond Italy's borders to Florence's Archaeological Museum, we find ourselves surrounded by an exhibition showcasing Etruscan cinerary urns and vases. These artifacts offer glimpses into daily life and rituals practiced by this ancient civilization between 1875-1885. Our journey concludes with yet another detail from "The Ark"—Salome's dance intertwined with Herodias receiving St John's severed head. The complexity depicted here leaves us pondering upon themes like power dynamics and human nature itself. As we explore these scenes carved onto various urns—from feasting Etruscans garlanded on couches to Petronius' Satyricon—we are reminded of the enduring power of art to connect us with our past.