Flagon

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This silver gilt flagon was found at Traprain Law in East Lothian. It was part of a hoard containing over 150 silver objects, mainly tableware, buried between 410 and 425 AD. This picture shows a detail of one of the figural scenes.

The flagon has been restored from three crushed and folded pieces. It is ornamented in repoussé technique, illustrating Paradise on the top section and Biblical scenes on the lower. Here Moses striking water from the rock is depicted.

Large quantities of silver were available in the late Roman empire. A number of hoards from the late 4th and early 5th century provide a good indication of tablewares and jewellery current at the time, illustrating the high level of Roman craftsmanship.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-993-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
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• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GVA 1
• Date: Deposited between 410 and 425 AD
  
• Material: Silver; showing The Fall, The Adoration, Moses striking the Rock, etc
  
• Dimensions: 8.50" H; weight 13.70 oz
  
• What:
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• Where: Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver flagon with repoussé decoration of biblical scenes, from Traprain Law
  
• References:
  • Curle, Alexander O. The treasure of Traprain. A Scottish hoard of Roman silver plate. Glasgow: Maclehose, Jackson and Co., 1923, pp. 13-9. 
  • Kent, J.P.C. and Painter, K.S. Wealth of the Roman world AD 300-700. London: Trustees of the British Museum, 1977, p.123. 
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