This is a magnificent golden vessel from the Achaemenid dynasty of Iran, representing the height of the art of metalworking and the formal aesthetics of the period. Made of pure gold, it is decorated with a radial and symmetrical pattern of lotus leaves that spread from the center to the periphery; a pattern that is both decorative and a reflection of the cosmic concepts, order, and sacredness of nature in ancient Iranian beliefs.
Vessels of this type were usually used in official, ritual, or imperial ceremonies and, in addition to their utility, symbolized splendor, power, and harmony with the universe. The metalworker’s skill in precise shaping, maintaining geometric proportions, and creating a uniform golden glow demonstrates the remarkable progress of art and craft in the Achaemenid era. This valuable work is today kept in prestigious museums around the world, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and is considered one of the enduring symbols of ancient Iranian civilization and the royal art of the Achaemenids.
Comments