Coveted by All
Valued at $2 billion today, Imperial Porphyry was coveted by ancient rulers for its rarity. Mining it was an intense feat of human strength and ingenuity.
Transporting it from the Egyptian desert across the Nile and then the Mediterranean to Rome became a symbol of power and prestige creating the perception that the Roman kings could achieve the impossible.
Imperial Porphyry was used to accent tiled floors, was embedded in columns and was found on vases and busts of leaders. The ancient world admired the Romans for their know-how of working with this material.
By the Middle Ages, however, this closely guarded knowledge was lost. Successive rulers desirous of Imperial Porphyry did not hesitate to resort to thievery to own it.
Transcending Timelessness in Design
The Porphyry Basin is a marble masterpiece that challenges our perceptions of the every day, transforming mundane bathroom furniture into a piece of design excellence and longevity.
It prompts us to reconsider the intrinsic value of materials like Imperial Porphyry—materials that have not only weathered the pᴀssage of time but have also retained their allure and exclusivity. Though porphyry is mined in several countries today, it continues to be prized for its strength, durability and unique aesthetic.
Designers bring their expert vision to porphyry forms available today, ensuring a touch of luxurious elegance that continues to find a place in modern-day design.
