Ancient Near East, Iran or possibly Sardis, Achaemenid Empire, ca. 5th century BCE. A wheel-thrown lidded earthenware vessel, the body of a cylindrical drum-like form presenting a wonderful processional of lions in low relief, all upon a petite round base, the lid with concentric wheel marks surrounding a cupola-shaped knob. The lion imagery on this piece provides wonderful layers of iconographical meaning as lions possessed regal associations in the Achaemenid Empire. Size: 4.125" in diameter x 4" H (10.5 cm x 10.2 cm)

According to Elspeth R. M Dusinberre, "Lions or parts of lions were an important element in Achaemenid Persian iconography of architectural and royal furniture support (addorsed capitals, platforms supporting the kin on royal tomb facades, feet and legs of thrones and footstools, etc.) In addition to the relief sculptures of Persepolis and Naqush-I Rustam, the free-standing bronze support from the Treasury of Persepolis in the form of three walking lions is well known. . . . Lions had a long history in Persia as well as Lydia: their connections to kinship and to Kybele, to apotropaic forces and to connotations of power, make it small wonder they should have such preponderance in the sculpture of Achaemenid-period Sardis." ("Aspects of Empire in Achaemenid Sardis" Cambridge University Press, 2003, p. 103)

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000

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#122261

Surface shows nice root marks and mineral deposits. Minor surface wear. Overall excellent.