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Cup with a Gazelle
7th century
Soghdian silver
Diam 19 cm
This lobe-shaped cup in the
form of a twelve-petalled
flower is typical of Soghdian
silver. In the centre is a
medallion with a gazelle lying
before a tree. The design is
reminiscent of the reliefs on
Sassanian vessels, but its
style has nothing in common
with Sassanian tradition. As it
rises to its feet, the gazelle's
complex yet natural
movements, revealing its
powerful, taut body with
slender but strong legs,
combined with the curved
lines that are an integral part
of the composition and with
the tight spirals of the plant
shoots, all create an
impression of power and
lightness.
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