Patera with Man Riding Monster (1–200 CE)
A patera is a shallow bowl or dish traditionally used for libations—the ritual pouring of liquids such as water, wine, or oil as offerings to deities, ancestors, or sacred forces.
Tag Ceremonial & Religious
Gigaku Mask of Persian Boy (710–794 CE)
Crafted from lightweight paulownia wood and vividly painted, this gigaku mask represents the youthful son of a widowed Persian elder in gigaku, a lively form of masked dance drama imported from continental Asia.
Model Figure of a Man (1980–1801 BCE)
Despite its modest size, the figure of a man offers a vivid entry point into Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife, where images were not merely symbolic but actively participated in ensuring eternal existence.
Bronze Barbarian (1-100 CE)
In Roman art, “barbarians” were a recurring motif used to define Roman identity through contrast. Clothing such as trousers (braccae), beards, long hair, and the soft conical Phrygian cap marked figures as foreign and non-Roman.
Standing Bronze Buddha (591 CE)
The bronze Buddha was commissioned by a Nepalese nun named Pariśuddhamati from a village in the Kathmandu Valley, likely at a workshop in northeastern India near Bihar or Uttar Pradesh.
Red-Figure Lekythos (c.490 BCE)
Crafted in Attic ceramic tradition, this lekythos not only served practical purposes but also embodied the artistic pinnacle of late Archaic Greece, blending heroism and sensuality in a way that invites viewers to explore ancient myths and daily life.
Goddess Uma (1000s CE)
Through her poised expression and confident gesture, the goddess Uma sculpture invites viewers to explore themes of feminine power, creation, and cosmic harmony, offering a window into the rich interplay of Hinduism and Buddhism in medieval Nepal.
Ding Tripod (1250-1046 BCE)
This Ding tripod not only served practical purposes but also embodied transcendent concepts, acting as a symbolic messenger from otherworldly realms, captivating us with its blend of artistry and enigma.
Aztec Chalchiuhtlicue (1200-1521 CE)
Chalchiuhtlicue, the goddess of terrestrial waters—rivers, lakes, and groundwater—was central to Aztec cosmology, reflecting the critical role of water in their agriculture-based society.
Yoruba Style Helmet (Late 19th to early 20th century CE)
The Yoruba Style Helmet is tied to the secretive Oro association, whose masquerades were rarely seen by outsiders, adding an air of mystery.
Stela of Pasherienimhotep (145-100 BCE)
In ancient Egypt, stelae ensured the deceased’s memory and sustenance in the afterlife through offerings of bread, beer, and meat. This one, dedicated to Pasherienimhotep is a well preserved gem.
Amitabha Triad (1400s CE)
This 1400s Joseon dynasty bronze sculpture depicts Amitabha Buddha with Ksitigarbha and Avalokitesvara bodhisattvas, embodying Pure Land Buddhism, together they form the amitabha triad.
Figure with Deer Antlers Pendant (400–700 CE)
This 5th–8th century CE gold pendant from Panama or Venado Beach region depicts a hybrid male figure with deer, feline, and serpent features.
Vessel With Ballplayer (c.600-1000 CE)
This cylindrical vessel, adorned with a carved depiction of a diving ballplayer, captures the dynamic intensity of the Mesoamerican ballgame, a central ritual in Maya culture.
Pair of Standing Figures (100 BCE-300 CE)
A pair of standing figures, crafted in the Ixtlán del Río style from earthenware with colored slips, depicts a male and female adorned with jewelry and symbolic attributes.