Elam was an ancient kingdom of Asia, situated
north of the Persian Gulf and east of the Tigris
River, and corresponding approximately to the
present-day province of Khuzistan in Iran. The
capital of Elam and its most fabled city was Sûsa,
today the city of Shûsh. 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 craftsman.
This silver vessel is such an example. Forged in
the image of a blossoming lotus flower, this
container would be a prized possession in any
era. The rim has been gilded in gold, increasing
the value of this vessel even more. Clearly this
was no everyday object, but the treasures of a
king or high-ranking official. The craftsmanship
is immaculate. The abstracted forms of the lotus
merge in complete harmony with the forms of
the vessel, combining to create a rare work
whose beauty outweighs its function.
- (PF.5515)
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