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Near Eastern Art :
Parthian Art : Parthian Faience Pilgrim Flask
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Parthian Faience Pilgrim Flask - PF.3829a
Origin: Israel
Circa: 100
AD
to 300
AD
Dimensions:
5.25" (13.3cm) high
x 4.25" (10.8cm) wide
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.
A disk-shaped body is surmounted by two ring-
like handles and a short vertical neck with an
everted lip. This presents an appealing sense of
circularity and harmony, maintained by the
perfect symmetry of the body. The delicate green
shade still radiates a soft iridescence beneath
and around the encrusted surface. Designed to
fit easily into a pocket or pouch, this flask would
most likely have contained oil for votive
offerings, accompanying a pilgrim on the long
and arduous journey to a place of worship.
- (PF.3829a)
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