Metal bowl with hammered and incised decoration

High tin bronze bowls with geometric decoration have been found throughout Afghanistan and eastern Iran. The pearl motif which has been punched into this bowl was used in the pre-Islamic era and continued in popularity for centuries. The bevelled hexagons with circular depressions seen on this bowl are also to be found on Sasanian glass. The fish inside the bowl indicate that it was used to hold water; this device continued for centuries and can be seen in several later objects in the gallery. Notes from the Glory and Prosperity exhibition, Feb - June 2002.