Ancient Mesopotamian/Sumerian Style 22K Yellow Gold Embossed Libation Bowl
Religious Vessel/Bowl · Yellow Gold (High Karat Alloy). A rich, classic warm tone indicative of natural unrefined or semi-refined gold used in antiquity.
Purity: Approximately 22K (91.6% purity). The deep, butter-yellow hue is characteristic of high-karat ancient gold alloys containing minimal copper or silver white metals.
Type
Religious Vessel/Bowl
Purity
Approximately 22K (91.6% purity). The deep, butter-yellow hue is characteristic of high-karat ancient gold alloys containing minimal copper or silver white metals.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (High Karat Alloy). A rich, classic warm tone indicative of natural unrefined or semi-refined gold used in antiquity.
Weight
Estimated 80-120 grams. Based on the diameter and the thin, hammered nature of the gold sheet (repoussé technique), it is likely substantial but manageable as a ceremonial vessel.
Description
A magnificent examples of ancient metalworking, this high-karat gold bowl features elaborate repoussé and chasing. The exterior is adorned with friezes of mythological or royal figures, likely depicting a ritual procession. The central base shows a cross-hatched pattern, and the walls are filled with intricate textures that catch the light, emphasizing the soft glow of the high-purity gold.
Key Features
Exquisite repoussé (metal worked from the back) and chasing (refined from the front). Detailed depictions of ancient bearded figures with traditional kilt-like garments and stylized muscularity.
Color & Finish
Rich honey-yellow with an aged patina. The surface features a matte, slightly textured finish from centuries of surface oxidation and handling, combined with hand-hammered indentations.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible. Authentic ancient artifacts lack modern hallmarking. Identification relies on stylistic analysis and metallurgical testing like XRF.
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter: 12-15 cm; Depth: 4-6 cm. Small enough to be held in one hand for pouring or drinking rituals.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The item relies entirely on the intricate figurative metalwork and geometric patterns for decoration.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable. This is a solid, open-form vessel with a rounded base.
Chain & Links
Not applicable. The rim shows a smooth, slightly irregular hand-finished edge consistent with ancient cold-work hammering.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-fabricated via the repoussé technique. The master smith used bone or bronze tools to push the design through the metal, creating high-relief scenes without the use of soldering or casting.
Authentication Indicators
The color consistency suggests a high gold-to-silver ratio. The tool marks inside the bowl correspond with the exterior relief, indicating it was hand-hammered from a single sheet of gold rather than cast.
Origin & Maker
Origin: Likely modern-day Iraq (Mesopotamia). Maker: Unknown master goldsmith of a royal or temple workshop.
Era & Period
Ancient Mesopotamian / Neo-Sumerian Style (circa 2100–1800 BCE). Stylistic indicators include the specific depiction of bearded figures in Profile and tiered geometric backgrounds common in the Fertile Crescent.
Age Estimate
Stylistically represents the late 3rd or early 2nd millennium BCE; however, true age requires thermoluminescence or provenance verification as high-quality replicas exist.
Cultural Significance
Represents the pinnacle of early urban civilization where gold was a medium for religious devotion and a symbol of the divine right of kings.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. Minor deformations in the circular rim (common in soft high-karat gold). Slight surface abrasions and internal sediment deposits in the deeper crevices of the engraving.
Value Estimate
If authenticated as a genuine artifact, the value could range from $50,000 to $250,000+ at auction. As a high-quality decorative replica, it would be valued primarily by its gold weight plus a 20-30% artistic premium.
Care & Maintenance
Extremely fragile. Do not use chemical cleaners. Dust with a soft squirrel-hair brush. Store in a padded, acid-free container away from fluctuating humidity.
Similar Items
The Gold Bowl of Hasanlu or the vessels from the Royal Graves of Ur. Modern replicas may utilize 18K gold and show more uniform, machine-made textures.
Interesting Facts
In Sumerian culture, gold vessels were often buried with royalty to be used in the afterlife, as seen in the Royal Cemetery at Ur. Gold was considered 'the flesh of the gods'.