Every once in awhile I stumble across something extraordinary at the Met. Here is one of those extraordinary items. I recommend going to the site since you can zoom in on hi-def pix. http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/243823 Silver-gilt bowl Period: Archaic Date: ca. 725–675 B.C. Culture: Cypriot Medium: Gilt silver Dimensions: H. 1 1/4 in. (3.1 cm) diameter 6 5/8 in. (16.8 cm) Classification: Gold and Silver Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76 Accession Number: 74.51.4554 On view in Gallery 174 The central tondo shows a winged deity of Assyrian type felling a rampant lion with a sword. The surrounding frieze presents a variety of animal and narrative motifs, including two specifically Egyptian subjects: a sphinx wearing the Egyptian double crown and a lion treading over a dead man, symbolizing the pharaoh dominating his enemies. The broad outer band features a variety of combats. Of greatest importance, however, are two inscriptions. At the top, above an Assyrianizing figure killing a lion, a Cypriot syllabic inscription reads, "I am [the bowl] of Akestor, king of Paphos." It was partly obliterated and replaced by "I am [the bowl] of Timokretes," presumably the next owner. The bowl is exceptionally significant for its excellent condition, high quality, and amalgam of Egyptian, Assyrian, and Phoenician features. Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings Inscription: [inside the bowl] "I am [the bowl] of Akestor, king of Paphos"; [within the medallion] "I am [the bowl] of Timokretes." Provenance Said to be from Kourion, Cyprus (Cesnola 1877, p. 329). Until 1874, Cesnola Collection, excavated by General Cesnola in Kourion, Cyprus; acquired 1874, purchased from General Luigi Palma di Cesnola.
4to2centBC, That bowl represents the high caliber of art I've come to expect from the Met and is the reason I make it a point to go there on any visit to NYC. Although I will admit that at times it is hard to pull myself away from the arms and armor collection... Thanks for posting
My goodness what a treasure! I love the Met. It always amazes me that something like that survived the ages without getting melted ir otherwise destroyed.
I agree completely. I am so busy on the occasions I go into the city, I seldom get to go to The Met. But when I do go, I am reminded that I don't go often enough. Regarding the armor......the arms and armor gallery was the first thing I saw as a kid. A dramatic presentation. It sucked me into that entire section of the museum. I own an early Samurai helmet because of that display. I went to my first coin show on the same trip. I think I was nine years old........... It obviously created a bit of a collecting passion for me. stock photo stock photo my kabuto and mempo
