Plate with Trees and Ibex in Center

Most of the exterior is covered with green corrosion except for one section which has been cleaned. The head and body of the animal, made of two separately cast or hammered pieces, are now missing. Plate with a low ring foot, shallow fluted exterior, and plain rim. On the interior, originally added in relief, is a striding mouflon or ram in profile facing right, encircled by a grape and leaf scroll. A long fillet tied around the ram’s neck ends in fluttering streamers. Weight: 443 g.

Historical period(s)
Sasanian period, 600-700
Medium
Silver gilt; hammered, chased, and gilded
Dimensions
H x W x D (overall): 5.2 x 21.7 x 22 cm (2 1/16 x 8 9/16 x 8 11/16 in)
Geography
Iran
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S1987.115
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Metalwork, Vessel
Type

Plate

Keywords
ibex, Iran, Sasanian period (ca. 224 - 651), sheep
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

Most of the exterior is covered with green corrosion except for one section which has been cleaned. The head and body of the animal, made of two separately cast or hammered pieces, are now missing. Plate with a low ring foot, shallow fluted exterior, and plain rim. On the interior, originally added in relief, is a striding mouflon or ram in profile facing right, encircled by a grape and leaf scroll. A long fillet tied around the ram's neck ends in fluttering streamers. Weight: 443 g.

Published References
  • Ann C. Gunter, Paul Jett. Ancient Iranian Metalwork in the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and the Freer Gallery of Art. Washington and Mainz, Germany, 1992. cat. 19, pp. 136-8.
Collection Area(s)
Ancient Near Eastern Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. 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 Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use