Double shell cup decorated with vine scroll and putti

Detail of a pattern
Image 1 of 4
IIIF

Terms of Use

Usage Conditions Apply

At A Glance

  • Period

    ca. 30 BCE-100 CE
  • Geography

    Syria
  • Material

    Silver
  • Dimension

    H x W x D: 9.2 x 19.4 x 11.5 cm (3 5/8 x 7 5/8 x 4 1/2 in)
  • Accession Number

    S1987.129
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_S1987.129

Object Details

  • Description

    Double shell cup decorated in repousse high relief with separate cast foot. The handles were also separatedly casted in the form of a thumbplate with two ring handles below. Surface slightly abraded.
  • Label

    Two handled-drinking silver cups were popular throughout the ancient Mediterranean and Near eastern cultures between the 4th century BCE and the late Roman period. Often produced in pairs, they were particularly popular among wealthy Romans. The cups were decorated in a repousse high relief with the handles and feet cast separately.
  • Collection

    Arthur M. Sackler Collection
  • Exhibition History

    Feast Your Eyes: A Taste for Luxury in Ancient Iran (February 4, 2012 - ongoing)
    Luxury Arts of the Silk Route Empires (May 9, 1993 to January 28, 2007)
  • Origin

    Syria
  • Credit Line

    Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
  • Type

    Vessel
  • 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