Blossom

 

The hemispherical ovary is subdivided by two crossing grooves and surrounded by eight petals, separated from the reproductive center by a continuous incised line. The spaces between the petals are pierced. Perhaps the blossom adorned the abacus of a Corinthian capital or was part of a frieze of scrolls. 

The piece is broken from the rear, and the outlines of some of the petals are chipped. 

Provenance: Šaqqā. Acquired by the Museum on July 24th, 1946. 

Era: third century CE 

Substance: basalt. 

Dimensions: Dm 15.9 cm, D 8.6 cm. 

Text: adapted from Weber (p 117). . 

Collection: National Museum of Damascus. 

Thomas M. Weber. Sculptures from Roman Syria in the Syrian National Museum of Damascus. Vol I, from Cities and Villages in Central and Southern Syria. Wernersche Verlagsgesellschaft. Worms. 2006.