Elamite Silver Vessel

Elam was an kingdom of Asia, situated north of the Persian Gulf and east of the Tigris River, and corresponding approximately to the present-day of Khuzistan, The capital of Elam and its most fabled city was Susa, known today as the city of Shush. This powerful empire has been overshadowed in history by the rival kingdoms of Babylon and Assyria. However, their extraordinary metalwork survives to this day, a testament to the expertise of their craftsmen.

This silver vessel is a demonstration of the absolute mastery of Elamite artisans. A convex bump marks the bottom of the interior of the bowl. From here radiates a band of gadroons, all delicately hammered out of a silver sheet by hand. This vessel was perhaps used in religious or ceremonial festivities. Surely, such an object would be reserved for the possession of the ruling elite. While the king of Elam once ruled over a vast empire, no doubt amassing priceless treasures, today their memory is preserved through the remnants of their wealth. This vessel is a great example of a lasting tribute to a vanished empire.