Silver gilt bowl

Unknown

ca. 3rd–1st century BCE · Silver gilt · Ancient Near Eastern Art

Elaborate bowls and vessels were highly valued in ancient Near Eastern society. During the pre-Achaemenid, Achaemenid, Seleucid and Parthian periods, examples made of bronze, silver, gold, and clay were used throughout a vast area extending both to the east and west of Iran. In the later periods the monetary value of many silver vessels was calculable in part according to the corresponding coin weights. Floral and vegetal decorative motifs were popular: this elegant silver gilt bowl is decorated with a chased interior concentric pattern and a central multi-petalled rosette within a wreath, encircled by a floral scroll and wave-patterned bands.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 3rd–1st century BCE

Medium

Silver gilt

Culture

Parthian

Department

Ancient Near Eastern Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1990