Platter or Plate
Artist/Culture
Antioch
Date4th century
Mediumsilver
Dimensions33 cm, 860 gm (13 in., 30.3 oz)
ClassificationsMetalwork
Credit LineExcavation of Antioch and Vicinity funded by the bequests of the Reverend Dr. Austin S. Garver and Sarah C. Garver
Object number1940.17
DescriptionThe plate was first cast and then hammered into a concave shape with a flat outer rim. It rests on a footring that was soldered on as a separate piece. The decoration is restrained, with a fluted rim and a central geometric medallion composed of a twelve-petal rosette within an eight-pointed star. The medallion is outlined by three concentric grooved circles with punched leaf, dot, and line decorations within them. All the decorations on the plate are combinations of punched and engraved designs.There is a scratched quatrefoil design and graffito inscription on the reverse: MAKAP[IOY?]. It is unclear whether this name refers to the owner or to the maker.
The plate was found together with a bowl, a ewer, and a statuette- all of silver-beneath a limestone drain in the northeast corner of a dining room in the House of Menander The so-called Daphne Treasure may have been buried when the house collapsed during an earthquake in 485 or 526 (*1). Apparently, the objects were not retrieved, for they were excavated from below the floor of the rebuilt house.
Similarly decorated pieces, with fluted rims and central star motifs, have been found in other silver treasures dated to the fourth century - especially close are the bowls from the Kaiseraugst and Mildenhall Treasures (*2), supporting the fourth century date given to this find. (Kondoleon, 2000)
*1. See Stillwell, Richard, Antioch III 1941, 155, no. 49, which proposes the two possible earthquake dates for the destruction of the rebuilt, fourth-century phase of the House of Menander.
*2. Strong, Donald E. Greek and Roman Gold and Silver Plate. London
ProvenanceExcavated at Antioch (Daphne), House of Menander, room 3. Received at WAM June 4, 1940
On View
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