An Exceptional Persian Bronze Phiale, Achaemenid Period ca. 550 - 330 BCE

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a handsome piece, formed from a single piece of bronze, of flat, hemispherical form with everted rim, the base with prominent central omphalos surrounded by an elegant petalled ros ette bordered by concentric ring decoration. The omphalos represented the navel of the world believed to be a large sacred hemispherical stone located at the sanctuary of Delphi. According to legend, Zeus commanded two eagles to fly from opposite sides of the world and where they met at Delphi was the center of the world. This style of bowl is often seen in Greek art for making offerings to the Gods. Dimensions: Height: 1 3/8 inch (3.5 cm), Diameter: 6 inches (15.2 cm) Condition: Rich black surface patina with a large area of blue-green surface patina on the underside, having traces of a gilt surface. Intact, exc. cond. A truly beautiful example with great surface quality. Provenance: The Nourollah Elganian Collection of Ancient Art, assembled 1950-1970's. Nourollah Elganian (1915 - 2009), NYC., came to the U.S. from Iran on a business trip in the late 1940s. Nourollah, who was in the import and export business at the time, liked it so much that he decided to stay and moved his family here. He bought land in Manhattan in the 1950s and 1960s on Second and Third avenues. Show more