Collections

Monthly Archive: December coll

Komodo Dragon Preparation, Step Two: To the Bug Cave! I mean, Bug ROOM

Posted: December 12, 2012 - 15:31 , by Nicole Richards
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A close-up of the Komodo Dragon head before preparation of the speciman began

Viewer discretion advised. Images depict a Komodo Dragon being dissected as it is prepared for the ROM's collections. Some images may be shocking.

Virtual Collaboration: The whole story of ancient Roman amethyst gem

Posted: November 9, 2012 - 16:16 , by royal
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On August 30, 2012 I posted a blog on the rediscovery of a very striking and important ancient Roman amethyst gem engraved with the image of Victory writing on a shield, dating to about 50 BC to AD 25. I also mentioned that the gem was in the collection of Sir Francis Cook by 1903. The posting paid off! Last week I received an email from Dr. Erika Zwierlein-Diehl, a professor at the University of Bonn, Germany, telling me that she had seen my blog and immediately recognized our gem. Dr.

Bugs are moving in (not bed bugs this time)

Posted: October 19, 2012 - 08:54 , by ROM
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Question: It’s fall, why are all these bugs coming into my home? I’ve never seen them before!

Western conifer seed bug; copyright ROM images

A surprise photograph from India

Posted: September 20, 2012 - 15:53 , by Deepali Dewan


Mystery portrait in the ROM's collection, later revealed to be Sunder Shyam Chadha in the film “Chhottii Babhi,” 1951

Gem of the Month: Canadian Diamonds

Posted: September 20, 2012 - 13:00 , by royal
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Posting by Brendt Hyde, Mineralogy Technician

The discovery of diamonds in the 1990’s marked a beginning for Canada’s first diamond mine, the Ekati Diamond Mine, located in the Northwest Territories.  It also marked the beginning of the, still relatively young, diamond mining industry in Canada.

Fantastic Folding Fan Leaf

Posted: August 31, 2012 - 10:32 , by royal

By Ka Bo Tsang, ROM Assistant Curator, Chinese Pictorial Arts

Overview image of fan.

Wu Huizhang wrote Tang-dynasty poems onto this folding fan, showing exceptional levels of concentration, writing skill, and compositional skill.

Digging Through the Vaults: Rediscovery and Rehabilitation

Posted: August 30, 2012 - 08:55 , by royal
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Front face of ring displaying engraving in purple stone.

Collector's ring with a large convex amethyst gem engraved with an image of Nike. Height: 2.2 cm Accession number: 925.83.6

Great Collections Make Great Museums: Constantinian Era Pendant

Posted: July 27, 2012 - 09:00 , by royal

Great Collections Make Great Museums – An ongoing blog describing recent acquisitions added to the Greek, Etruscan, Roman or Byzantine Collections.

A gold pendant flanked with red gems with a silver inset depicting three human figures.

Diamonds, Design and Science… something for everyone.

Posted: July 17, 2012 - 08:54 , by royal
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While to the casual observer, this is an example of fine made jewellery that sits in the Gem and Gold Gallery, Teck Suite of Galleries: Earth Treasures with other fine made jewellery pieces. As is reflected in the layered design of the brooch, this piece has layers of information and history as well.

Spinels: A Misunderstood Gemstone

Posted: July 13, 2012 - 14:30 , by royal
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