Vessel terminating in the forepart of a fantastic leonine creature ca. 5th century Achaemenid Horn-shaped vessels ending in an animal's head have a long history in the Near East as well as in Greece and Italy. Early Iranian examples are straight, with the cup and animal head in the same plane. Later, in the Achaemenid period, the head, or animal protome, was often placed at a right angle to the cup, as in this piece. In the manufacture of this gold vessel, several parts were invisibly joined by brazing, which demonstrates superb technical skill. One hundred and thirty-six feet of twisted
Vessel terminating in the forepart of a fantastic leonine creature ca. 5th century Achaemenid Horn-shaped vessels ending in an animal's head have a long history in the Near East as well as in Greece and Italy. Early Iranian examples are straight, with the cup and animal head in the same plane. Later, in the Achaemenid period, the head, or animal protome, was often placed at a right angle to the cup, as in this piece. In the manufacture of this gold vessel, several parts were invisibly joined by brazing, which demonstrates superb technical skill. One hundred and thirty-six feet of twisted wire decorate the upper band of the vessel in forty-four even rows, and the roof of the lion's mouth is raised in tiny ribs. Typical of Achaemenid style, the ferocity of the snarling lion has been tempered and restrained by decorative convention. The lion has a crest running down his back; his mane has the disciplined appearance of a woven material; and his flanks are covered by an ostrich plume. The inclusion of the plume, a departure from convention, suggests that this lion is winged and has some supernatural significance. Listen to experts illuminate this artwork's story Listen Play or pause #7017. Vessel Terminating in the Forepart of a Fantastic Leonine Creature Play or pause #885. Kids: Vessel Terminating in the Forepart of a Fantastic Leonine Creature Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies We're sorry, the transcript for this audio track is not available at this time. We are working to make it available as soon as Vessel terminating in the forepart of a fantastic leonine creature. Achaemenid. ca. 5th century Gold. Achaemenid. Iran
Size: 4000px × 3000px
Photo credit: © MET/BOT / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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