Cup

Art Historical Context

This exquisite silver cup, dating tentatively to the 3rd BC during the Early Bronze Age,ails from the Ancient Near East—a cradle of early civilization in regions like Mesopotamia and the Levant. Standing just 4.04 inches (10.26 cm) tall, its petite size belies its luxurious craftsmanship, fashioned from precious silver, a metal prized for its rarity and luster in antiquity. Adorned with motifs of leopards and other animals, and bearing inscriptions, it exemplifies metalwork vessels that blended utility with symbolism, likely used by elites for drinking rituals or offerings. The cup's inscript...