Lobed elliptical bowl

Exterior plain. Interior is decorated with repoussé pattern of vases and grapevines. The central and side lobes are gilded on the interior. Weight: 202.9 g.

Historical period(s)
Sasanian period, 7th century
Medium
Silver and gilt
Dimensions
H x W x D (overall): 4.5 x 19.2 x 12.8 cm (1 3/4 x 7 9/16 x 5 1/16 in)
Geography
Iran
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S1987.116
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Metalwork, Vessel
Type

Bowl

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

Exterior plain. Interior is decorated with repoussé pattern of vases and grapevines. The central and side lobes are gilded on the interior. Weight: 202.9 g.

Label

Wine bowls of elliptical shape formed an important category of silver vessels made in Iran and its neighbors during the sixth and seventh centuries. These bowls were often decorated with images of tigers, panthers, or vegetation. Such imagery was associated with the Greek god Dionysos, whose cult spread over a wide area of the eastern Mediterranean and Southwest Asia.

Published References
  • Massoume Price. Ancient Iran. Culture of Iran Youth Series, 1st ed. .
  • 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. 30, pp. 43, 180-1.
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