Hemispherical bowl

Object Details

• Description

  Small hemispherical bowl with plain rim, interior plain. The exterior is entirely decorated with figures carved in relief, with a gilded background surface. The decoration consists of five figured scenes each framed within arches formed by two rows of bead molding connected by decorated columns. A palmette rises above each column.

  In the primary scene, a male and female are seated on a couch, grasping a wreath. In the scene to the right a servant, his face covered, holding vessels, approaches the couple. In the third scene are two wrestlers; a third figure, perhaps an acrobat, is shown behind them. The fourth scene consists of two male figures playing a board game, probably backgammon. In the final scene are two musicians: a male figure plays the drum, and a female plays an arched harp. At the base of the bowl is a central roundel formed by bead molding, encircling the bust of a female figure who holds a flower.

  Weight: 481 g.

• Label

  The exterior of this bowl, made in Iran or Central Asia toward the end of the Sasanian period (ca. 224–651) or in the following century, depicts scenes from the life of the nobility. In the center is a male figure holding a flower; arranged around this central medallion are a related group of scenes of human figures. In one scene, a man and woman grasp a wreath, a ritual that seems to signify the ceremonial observation of a marriage contract. The other scenes probably depict events that accompanied the celebration: a servant approaching the couple; a wrestling match; two people playing a board game; and musicians playing harp and drum. The couple and the servant are depicted with a variety of sumptuous vessels similar to actual examples made of silver and gilt that have been recovered from burials and hoards: bowls on tall bases, ewers, and an animal-shaped drinking vessel.

• Provenance

  1972-1987

  Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987), method of acquisition unknown [1]

  From 1987

  Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, gift of Arthur M. Sackler [2]

  Notes:

  [1] See Prudence Oliver Harper, “The Royal Hunter: Art of the Sasanian Empire” [exhibition catalog] (New York: The Asia Society, Inc., Winter 1978), pp. 74-76; cat. 25. The object was attributed to The Arthur M. Sackler Collections. The Sackler collection number, 72.9.2, indicates the object was acquired by 1972.

  Dr. Arthur M. Sackler was a physician, medical publisher, pharmaceutical marketer, and collector of Asian art.

  [2] Pursuant to the agreement between Arthur M. Sackler and the Smithsonian Institution, dated July 28, 1982, legal title of the donated objects was transferred to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery on September 11, 1987.

  Research updated November 15, 2023

• Collection

  Arthur M. Sackler Collection

• Exhibition History

  Animal-Shaped Vessels from the Ancient World: Feasting with the Gods, Heroes and Kings (September 7, 2018 to January 6, 2019)

  Feast Your Eyes: A Taste for Luxury in Ancient Iran (February 4, 2012 - ongoing)

  Glass, Gilding, and Grand Design: Art of Sasanian Iran (224-642) (February 14 to May 20, 2007)

  Le Perses Sassanides ou les Fastes d'un empire oublie (The Persian Sasanians, Luxury Goods from a Forgotten Empire)" (September 15, 2006 to May 20, 2007)

  Les Perses sassanides (224-642): Fastes d'un empire oublie (September 15 to December 30, 2006)

  Asian Games: The Art of Contest (February 26 to 15 May 2005)

  Luxury Arts of the Silk Route Empires (May 9, 1993 to January 28, 2007)

  Nomads and Nobility: Art from the Ancient Near East (September 28, 1987 to November 1, 1992)

  The Royal Hunter: Art of the Sasanian Empire (Winter 1978)

• Previous custodian or owner

  Dr. Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987)

• Origin

  Iran

• Credit Line

  Gift of Arthur M. Sackler

• Type

  Vessel

• On View

  Sackler Gallery 21: Feast Your Eyes: A Taste for Luxury in Ancient Iran

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  800s, 600s

• Name

  Sackler, Arthur M.

• Topic

  Gilding, Hammering, Art, Playing, Carving, Flowers, Chasing, Metal-work, Silver, Ancient Near Eastern Art, Music, Games, Sasanian period (ca. 224 - 651), Woman

• Culture

  Iranians, Middle Easterners

• Object Type

  Vessels (containers)

• On View

  Yes