Disk

Historical period(s)
Iron Age II - III, ca. 1000-500 BCE
Medium
Copper alloy Hammered, chased, and repoussé
Dimensions
H x W x D: 22.3 x 22.3 x 1.6 cm (8 3/4 x 8 3/4 x 5/8 in)
Geography
Northwest Iran
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S1987.121
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Metalwork
Type

Disk

Keywords
Iran, Iron Age II (ca. 1250 - 800 BCE), Iron Age III (ca. 800 - 500 BCE)
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

The exterior of the disk depicts a winged male figure taming gazelles and a lion. This theme, the "master of the animals," has a long history in the ancient art of southwest Asia. It signified domination over wild or evil forces and suggests the function of the disk, perhaps a device for decorating a shield made of leather, metal, or wood. The disk was attached to another material by nails driven through the holes around the circumference.

Published References
  • et al. Asian Art in the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery: The Inaugural Gift. Washington, 1987. cat. 2, p. 28.
  • Trudy S. Kawami, John Olbrantz. Breath of Heaven, Breath of Earth: Ancient Near Eastern Art from American Collections. Exh. cat. Seattle, Washington. cat. 21, p. 103.
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