Object Details
Description
Small hemispherical bowl with plain rim, interior plain. The exterior is entirely decorated with figures carved in relief, with a gilded background surface. The decoration consists of five figured scenes each framed within arches formed by two rows of bead molding connected by decorated columns. A palmette rises above each column.
In the primary scene, a male and female are seated on a couch, grasping a wreath. In the scene to the right a servant, his face covered, holding vessels, approaches the couple. In the third scene are two wrestlers; a third figure, perhaps an acrobat, is shown behind them. The fourth scene consists of two male figures playing a board game, probably backgammon. In the final scene are two musicians: a male figure plays the drum, and a female plays an arched harp. At the base of the bowl is a central roundel formed by bead molding, encircling the bust of a female figure who holds a flower.
Weight: 481 g.
Label
The exterior of this bowl, made in Iran or Central Asia toward the end of the Sasanian period (ca. 224-651) or in the following century, depicts scenes from the life of the nobility. In the center is a male figure holding a flower; arranged around this central medallion are a related group of scenes of human figures. In one scene, a man and woman grasp a wreath, a ritual that seems to signify the ceremonial observation of a marriage contract. The other scenes probably depict events that accompanied the celebration: a servant approaching the couple; a wrestling match; two people playing a board game; and musicians playing harp and drum. The couple and the servant are depicted with a variety of sumptuous vessels similar to actual examples made of silver and gilt that have been recovered from burials and hoards: bowls on tall bases, ewers, and an animal-shaped drinking vessel.
Provenance
1972-1987
Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987), method of acquisition unknown [1]
From 1987
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, gift of Arthur M. Sackler [2]
Notes:
[1] See Prudence Oliver Harper, “The Royal Hunter: Art of the Sasanian Empire” [exhibition catalog] (New York: The Asia Society, Inc., Winter 1978), pp. 74-76; cat. 25. The object was attributed to The Arthur M. Sackler Collections. The Sackler collection number, 72.9.2, indicates the object was acquired by 1972.
Dr. Arthur M. Sackler was a physician, medical publisher, pharmaceutical marketer, and collector of Asian art.
[2] Pursuant to the agreement between Arthur M. Sackler and the Smithsonian Institution, dated July 28, 1982, legal title of the donated objects was transferred to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery on September 11, 1987.
Research updated November 15, 2023
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Exhibition History
Animal-Shaped Vessels from the Ancient World: Feasting with the Gods, Heroes and Kings (September 7, 2018 to January 6, 2019)
Feast Your Eyes: A Taste for Luxury in Ancient Iran (February 4, 2012 - ongoing)
Glass, Gilding, and Grand Design: Art of Sasanian Iran (224-642) (February 14 to May 20, 2007)
Le Perses Sassanides ou les Fastes d'un empire oublie (The Persian Sasanians, Luxury Goods from a Forgotten Empire)" (September 15, 2006 to May 20, 2007)
Les Perses sassanides (224-642): Fastes d'un empire oublie (September 15 to December 30, 2006)
Asian Games: The Art of Contest (February 26 to 15 May 2005)
Luxury Arts of the Silk Route Empires (May 9, 1993 to January 28, 2007)
Nomads and Nobility: Art from the Ancient Near East (September 28, 1987 to November 1, 1992)
The Royal Hunter: Art of the Sasanian Empire (Winter 1978)
Previous custodian or owner
Dr. Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987)
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Date
7th-8th century
Period
Sasanian period or later
Accession Number
S1987.105
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Vessel
Medium
Silver and gilt
Dimensions
H x W x D: 5.7 x 14.3 x 14.3 cm (2 1/4 x 5 5/8 x 5 5/8 in)
Origin
Iran
On View
East Building (Arthur M. Sackler Gallery), Gallery 21: Feast Your Eyes: A Taste for Luxury in Ancient Iran
Related Online Resources
Google Arts & Culture
See more items in
National Museum of Asian Art
Data Source
National Museum of Asian Art
Topic
gilding
chasing
hammering
carving
metal
silver
flower
playing
music
woman
man
backgammon
Sasanian period (ca. 224 - 651)
Iran
Ancient Near Eastern Art
Link to Original Record
Record ID
fsg_S1987.105