Central Asia, possibly Achaemenid period, ca. 6th to 4th century BCE. A shallow silver bowl of a simple yet elegant form, with a slightly rounded base and an incised design of stylized, crossed branches in tondo, at the very center of the interior. The design has been made by impressing repeated tiny lines into the silver surface, giving it a textured look. The exterior also has a great deal of fine impressed details, giving it in some areas an almost cloth-like texture. Size: 5.95" W x 1.4" H (15.1 cm x 3.6 cm)

Libation bowls, known as phiale, were used across a wide geographical area - from Greece to Tibet, throughout the ancient Near East and Central Asia. These shallow bowls for holding wine in ritual and ceremonial settings were made from many materials - glass, ceramic, and many kinds of metal. Only royal vessels were made of precious metals, like this one. They functioned both as tableware and as emblems of wealth. Silver phiale like this example could be stored in the royal treasury or given as gifts to people the leaders were hoping to influence.

Provenance: Ex- Major California auction house, Ex Artemis Gallery - 2007

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#120361

Dark patina, including some bronze patina, as if bronze objects were in close contact with the bowl on both interior and exterior. One tiny loss to rim.