This intricate bronze vessel is of slightly waisted cylindrical form with a rounded nipple base set in the centre of a repoussé rosette. The body is decorated with a procession of votaries walking in profile. The two figures with long hair and short-sleeved belted dresses may possibly be female. A shorter bearded male behind wears a ribbed conical hat and all three figures have their hands outstretched towards an altar. Behind this stands a tall bearded male holding a sceptre and wearing a large domed hat and a long skirt with punched decoration. The figurative scene is bordered above and below by a band of guilloche decoration.References:O. White-Muscarella, ‘Bronze and Iron, Ancient Near Eastern Artefacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art,’ (New York, 1988), pp. 244-7, nos. 342-3.P.R.S. Moorey, ‘Ancient Persian Bronzes in the Adam Collection,’ (London, 1974), p. 153, fig. 135. - (SK.049 )Babylonian Bronze Nipple Beaker - SK.049Origin: Mesopotamia Circa: 1000 BC to 800 BCDimensions: 5.5" (14.0cm) high Collection: Near Eastern Style: Babylonian Medium: Bronze

Antiquities
Ancient Near East