Chryselephantine

/ˌkrɪsɛlɪˈfæntaɪn/ adjective

Definition

Made of or decorated with a combination of gold and ivory, a technique used in ancient Greek sculpture and religious art.

Etymology

From Greek 'chrysos' (gold) + 'elephantine' (elephant, referring to ivory). This compound describes the most luxurious and elaborate sculptural technique of ancient Greece.

Kelly Says

The most famous chryselephantine statue was Phidias's Statue of Zeus at Olympia—40 feet tall, covered in gold and ivory, and considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World!

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