string(24) "edanmdm:fsg_S1987.120a-b" Plaque Fragments - National Museum of Asian Art

Plaque Fragments

Detail of a pattern
Image 1 of 2
IIIF

Terms of Use

Usage Conditions Apply

At A Glance

  • Period

    ca. 1200-900 BCE
  • Geography

    Northwest Iran
  • Material

    Silver
  • Dimension

    H x W: 12.9 x 8.5 cm (5 1/16 x 3 3/8 in)
  • Accession Number

    S1987.120a-b
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_S1987.120a-b

Object Details

  • Description

    \S1987.102a and b are two silver sheet metal fragments which originally belonged to the same object. They are both decorated in repoussé and chased technique with male figures moving in procession to the right. The larger fragment (S1987.102b) depicts two figures carrying weapons; above them are two vultures and a fly eating the head of a gazelle. The figure on the left carries a knife or dagger in one hand, and holds a spear upright in the other. The figure on the right holds a mace. Both figures have long hair and beards, and are dressed in crosshatch-pattern kilts and fringed mantles. The smaller fragment (S1987.120a) depicts a male figure similar to the ones just described; he carries a mace. The hind quarters of an animal (feline?) are just visible to the left of the male figure. Both fragments have circles with whorl patterns in the field next to the figures, apparently used as a fill ornament. They both also preserve small holes for nails, to attach the metal sheet to wood.
  • Collection

    Arthur M. Sackler Collection
  • Exhibition History

    Breath of Heaven, Breath of Earth: Ancient Near Eastern Art from American Collections (August 31, 2013 to December 22, 2013)
    Metalwork and Ceramics from Ancient Iran (November 19, 1992 to January 22, 2004)
    Nomads and Nobility: Art from the Ancient Near East (September 28, 1987 to November 1, 1992)
    Animal Style: Art from East to West (January 15 to July 19, 1970)
  • Origin

    Northwest Iran
  • Credit Line

    Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
  • Type

    Jewelry and Ornament
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

    There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

    The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The National Museum of Asian Art welcomes information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

Keep Exploring