Gold Fish-Shaped Vessel
2022 © Maxim Tabachnik
Mummy with Geometric PatternsGold Ornaments from the Oxus TreasureThe Holy Thorn ReliquaryParthenon Frieze: Riders in MotionReclining Young GodGold Fish-Shaped VesselThe Holy Thorn Reliquary (detail)Gold Roundels with Divinities and HeroesParthenon Metope: Lapith and Centaur StruggleKeeper and HoundHoly Thorn ReliquaryMildenhall Great Dish

Gold Fish-Shaped Vessel

231
This gold fish-shaped vessel (5th–4th cc. BC) from the Oxus Treasure exemplifies Achaemenid Persia’s artistry. Likely used for luxury oils, it realistically depicts a Turkestan barbel (Luciobarbus capito), native to the Oxus River. The craftsmanship reflects the region’s natural environment and the Achaemenid Empire’s appreciation for detailed, lifelike representations in luxury items.