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HOME :
Near Eastern Art :
Parthian Art : Parthian Faience Two-Handled Vessel
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Parthian Faience Two-Handled Vessel - PF.3830
Origin: Israel
Circa: 100
BC
to 3
AD
Dimensions:
6.5" (16.5cm) high
Collection: Near Eastern
Medium: Faience
$3,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
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After the death of Alexander the Great, his
expansive empire was divided among three of his
most loyal generals, with Seleucis assuming
control of the eastern portion. The Seleucid
Dynasty was thereby established, following in
the footsteps of the Persian, Assyrian, and
Babylonian Empires, with its capitals at Antioch
(in modern Syria) and Seleucia (in modern Iraq).
However, as history has shown, maintaining calm
and order over such a large territory,
encompassing so many different cultures, proved
difficult if not impossible. In 245 B.C., the
Parthians revolted against the Seleucids under
the leadership of Satrap Andragoras, igniting a
civil war that would lead to further autonomy,
despite the continued recognition of the Greek
kings as their superiors. Although the Parthians
had been mentioned in Assyrian text as early as
the 7th Century B.C., it was not until the rise of
Mithradates I that the yoke of Seleucid control
was toss aside and Parthia reached the heights of
its glory. Mithradates the Great quickly
conquered the lands of Babylon, Media, and
Elam, establishing a great empire that would
rival Roman dominance and last until 224 A.D.
when the Sassanid Empire finally subjugated
their lands.
Resting on a short base, the bulbous body flares
outward to the middle then narrows gradually to
the neck. Attached by two handles the neck rises
vertically to an everted lip. The handles are rather
thick, spreading wide at the top then curving
downwards to flow with the form of the vessel's
body. The handsome blue color still retains its
luminosity, made even more vivid in contrast
with the encrusted areas. This vessel probably
contained oil, or some liquid used in votive
offerings.
- (PF.3830)
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