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Taiyo Ltd.
2-11-9, KYOBASHI, CHUO-KU, TOKYO 104-0031 JAPAN.
TEL: 03-5524-6066 |
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Pillar
Bactria, Margiana, Chlorite, 3rd Millennium BC
H: 19 cm
The surface of this pillar is decorated with two types of stylized plant patterns. The pattern of the bottom register is interpreted as a date palm tree in the bibliography concerning Bactrian art. Examples of this pattern can be found not only in stone carvings, but also in bronze mirrors. The scaly looking pattern of the register above seems to represent a skin of a date palm trunk, although in the literature it happens to be interpreted as foliage pattern. Each of the patterns is arranged in three shifts. An amazing idea of alternating the pattern that represents the plant seen from a distance with visible leaves and fruits, while the alternating border is a close-up of the trunk proves the high artistic level of this work and is also relevant to the modern esthetic. There are various theories about the use of such pillars, but the strongest theory is that it was a ritual object. |
| So-called International Style, which was born in a vast area from Western to Central Asia at the same time and encompassed the cultures of Elam, Mesopotamia, and Bactria, resulted in works that although showing local characteristics had a common form and atmosphere. Therefore, similar objects and decorative patterns can be found in both Bactria and Mesopotamia. |
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