Beaker

Historical period(s)
Iron Age I - II, ca. 1200-900 BCE
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
H x W x D: 12.8 x 8 x 8 cm (5 1/16 x 3 1/8 x 3 1/8 in)
Geography
Northwest Iran
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S1987.132
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Metalwork, Vessel
Type

Vessel

Keywords
Iran, Iron Age I (ca. 1450 - 1250 BCE), Iron Age II (ca. 1250 - 800 BCE)
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

Beakers of this shape, made of gold or silver, are best attested among the finds attributed to the Marlik culture, which flourished in the southwest Caspian region of northern Iran from around 1400 to 1000 B.C.E.  This example shares with the Marlik beakers a rosette pattern on the base and guilloche bands at top and bottom of the vessel.  The torsional relief bands that decorate the body are unusual, perhaps suggesting that the vessel belongs to a related but separate regional style or workshop.

Published References
  • Massoume Price. Ancient Iran. Culture of Iran Youth Series, 1st ed. .
  • Ezat O. Negahban. Metal Vessels from Marlik. Munich. .
  • et al. Asian Art in the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery: The Inaugural Gift. Washington, 1987. cat. 10, pp. 35-37.
Collection Area(s)
Ancient Near Eastern Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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