Artwork Page for Horse-Shaped Drinking Vessel

Details / Information for Horse-Shaped Drinking Vessel

Horse-Shaped Drinking Vessel

200–325 CE

Iran, Sasanian Empire

(224–651 CE)
Medium
silver, partially gilt
Measurements
Overall: 12 x 10.8 x 32.7 cm (4 3/4 x 4 1/4 x 12 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1964.41
Public Domain
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Location
102A Ancient Near East
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Description

The horse was a favorite artistic subject in ancient Iran, where horse breeding flourished. This muscular Sasanian stallion was descended from the royal and sacred Nisean breed of the Achaemenian Persians. Although Sasanian horse trappings were elaborate, they did not include stirrups for mounting. In this rendition, the steed lies still, as camels in the Near East do today, waiting for its rider to mount. The medallions on each shoulder contain busts, perhaps of rulers of different parts of the Sasanian Empire, holding their rings of authority.
A silver drinking vessel is shaped like a horse lying down and wearing a patterned saddle and gilded bridle. A swirl-patterned sphere, broken and showing a hollow interior, protrudes from the horse's head and a short rectangular tail sticks straight out. A looped chain drapes down over the saddle and finely detailed strands of wavy hair extend down the horse's neck. An oval depicting a humanlike figure fastens above the horse's front right leg.

Horse-Shaped Drinking Vessel

200–325 CE

Iran, Sasanian Empire (224–651 CE)

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