Greek Myths on a Bactrian Silver Bowl in the State Hermitage Museum

Abstract The decorations of the Stroganov silver bowl present an interesting mixture of Central Asian (specifically Bactrian) and Greek elements that have been puzzling experts of Iranian studies since the beginning of the last century. The narrative decoration of the bowl could be divided into three main scenes. In several previous studies the scenes were identified either with illustrations of Greek plays, or visual expressions of Zoroastrian concepts. This article proposes a new interpretation of the narrative scenes that could remind one of the Greek myth of Heracles rescuing Alcestis from the underworld in order to bring her back to her husband Admetus. The non-Greek part of the decorative program includes a typical Iranian banquet scene with a composite creature flying in front of the main character. Central Asian artists used this kind of composite creatures to represent the glory or charisma bestowed by the gods.