Plate

Object Details

• Description

  A plate with a flat base and sides that rise to a flattened rim. The exterior is plain. The interior is engraved with two plain bands on either side of a hatched band that define a large circular field. Within the field, carved in low relief, is a winged female lion in profile facing left with tongue extended from an open mouth. Hatched bands emphasize the lower jaw, mane and belly. The shoulder muscle is shown in a heart shaped pattern enclosing flame-like tufts. A scalloped pattern appears at the base of the wing feathers.

• Label

  Mythical creatures composed of the parts of different creatures, such as this winged beast, have a long history in the art and thought of the ancient Near East. Sometimes these creatures played a positive role in the human world as protective or guardian spirits. Evil forces could also take various beastly forms, including demons, monsters, serpents, and dragons.

  Zoroastrian texts mention mythical creatures with supernatural powers, such as the senmurv, a combination of bird and dog or lion. Winged animals (especially horses) and the senmurv are depicted in Sasanian art in a variety of media, including architectural stucco decoration, silver plates, patterned textiles, and engraved sealstones. In this example, the creature's pose is perfectly adapted to the circular field of the plate.

• 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 object file for copy of Sackler collection inventory sheet for object 72.9.5. The Sackler collection number 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 16, 2023

• Collection

  Arthur M. Sackler Collection

• Exhibition History

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

  The Shahnama: 1000 Years of the Persian Book of Kings (October 23, 2010 to April 17, 2011)

  The Heroic Past: The Persian Book of Kings (June 4 to October 29, 2000)

  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)

• 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

  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

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  600s, 700s

• Name

  Sackler, Arthur M.

• Topic

  Bronze, Hammering, Cats, Art, Animals, Carving, Ancient Near Eastern Art, Sasanian period (ca. 224 - 651), Mythological animal, Engraving (incising), Metal-work

• Culture

  Iranians, Middle Easterners

• Object Type

  Vessels (containers)

• On View

  Yes