An East Greek Silver Phiale (Libation Bowl), Archaic Period, ca. 6th century BCE
An East Greek Silver Phiale (Libation Bowl), Archaic Period, ca. 6th century BCE
An East Greek Silver Phiale (Libation Bowl), Archaic Period, ca. 6th century BCE

An East Greek Silver Phiale (Libation Bowl), Archaic Period, ca. 6th century BCE

GV2201

Regular price5,750 USD
/
  • This object qualifies for free and fast worldwide shipping.

This fine silver vessel is known as a phiale, an ancient Greek term for such broad, shallow bowls. Its origins lie in Achaemenid Persia, and this bowl demonstrates the interaction between Greek and Achaemenid forms well. Used for drinking or pouring libations, it has a carinated or ridged shoulder, a turned-out rim, and a band of radiating petals on the underside. In the center of the bowl is a shallow raised boss that allowed the phiale to be held more easily in one hand.

Usually referred to by the Greek term omphalos, it represented the navel of the world, believed to be a large sacred hemispherical stone located at the sanctuary of Delphi. The vessel was made by raising and sinking a single sheet of metal, then adding chased details, a method employed for most Achaemenid metalware. Previously largely unknown in the archaic Greek tradition, it is possibly the most long-lived contribution of Achaemenid toreutic to the Greek repertoire, thus becoming a permanent, if not a universal, component.

For a related example, see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1980.11.13.

Dimensions:  Diameter: 6 3/8 inches (16.19 cm)

Condition:  Two cracks at the shoulder, with slight denting and overall surface wear, otherwise the vessel is intact and in very good condition.

Provenance:  Private London collection, acquired on the London Art Market in 1990.

Sands of Time provides a lifetime, unconditional guarantee of authenticity and provenance. Every object you purchase from us is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, stating culture, provenance, and age.

Furthermore, we conduct due diligence to ensure the item, to the best of our knowledge, has not been illegally obtained from an excavation, architectural monument, public institution, or private property. Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.

We ship Tuesday to Friday with FedEx and usually same day if your order is received before 2pm. Within the continental USA, packing, shipping and insurance is free. Depending on size and destination, delivery times range from one to five business days.

If we are shipping this object to you overseas, there is no charge for packing, preparation of all customs paperwork, insurance and carrier fees in compliance with all USA and International customs requirements.

We send overseas shipments with FedEx International Priority which usually means two to three day delivery to Europe and the UK, customs willing but contact us if you have a shipping preference. 

Please note: International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes. 

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.