Object Details
Label
Mythical creatures composed of the parts of different creatures, such as this winged beast, have a long history in the art and thought of the ancient Near East. Sometimes these creatures played a positive role in the human world as protective or guardian spirits. Evil forces could also take various beastly forms, including demons, monsters, serpents, and dragons.
Zoroastrian texts mention mythical creatures with supernatural powers, such as the senmurv, a combination of bird and dog or lion. Winged animals (especially horses) and the senmurv are depicted in Sasanian art in a variety of media, including architectural stucco decoration, silver plates, patterned textiles, and engraved sealstones. In this example, the creature's pose is perfectly adapted to the circular field of the plate.
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 object file for copy of Sackler collection inventory sheet for object 72.9.5. The Sackler collection number 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 16, 2023
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Exhibition History
Feast Your Eyes: A Taste for Luxury in Ancient Iran (February 4, 2012 - ongoing)
The Shahnama: 1000 Years of the Persian Book of Kings (October 23, 2010 to April 17, 2011)
The Heroic Past: The Persian Book of Kings (June 4 to October 29, 2000)
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)
Previous custodian or owner
Dr. Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987)
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Date
7th century
Period
Sasanian period
Accession Number
S1987.108
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Vessel
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
H x W x D: 3.9 x 26.1 x 26.1 cm (1 9/16 x 10 1/4 x 10 1/4 in)
Origin
Iran
Related Online Resources
Google Arts & Culture
See more items in
National Museum of Asian Art
Data Source
National Museum of Asian Art
Topic
hammering
carving
engraving (incising)
metal
bronze
mythological animal
lion
Sasanian period (ca. 224 - 651)
Iran
Ancient Near Eastern Art
Link to Original Record
Record ID
fsg_S1987.108