An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
The Wade Cup with Animated Script1200–1221
The highlight of the cup’s decoration is the inscription around the rim, which you see on the walls around you, with letters composed of human figures, animals, and birds. This is known as animated script and it developed in northeast Iran or Afghanistan during the mid-1100s and migrated westward. The inscription on the rim of the Wade Cup is the pinnacle of this form of script with its full-figure animation. The body of the cup is covered with interlacing bands of compartments containing tiny figures of humans and animals. These represent the 12 signs of the zodiac from astrology, the practice of interpreting the influence of planets and stars on earthly affairs. Astrology began in Mesopotamia, was adopted by the Greeks, and then absorbed into medieval Islamic culture through translations of Greek texts.
This is known as the Wade Cup, after J. H. Wade who bequeathed the funds for its acquisition
brass inlaid with silver
Overall: 11.5 cm (4 1/2 in.); Diameter: 16.1 cm (6 5/16 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
In a quiet room, where time seems to stand still and art paints the walls with stories of the past, the Wade Cup captures our gaze. It rests elegantly, a bridge between history and wonder. At first glance, it may appear as a mere vessel, but as we lean closer, the magic unfolds.
Around the rim of the cup, an inscription beckons, shimmering like whispers in the air. Each letter is not just a character; it is a vital heartbeat of the cup itself, crafted from the forms of human figures, lively animals, and soaring birds. This animated script, a forgotten dance of letters, was born in the lands of northeast Iran or Afghanistan during the mid-1100s. From its cradle, it journeyed westward, leaving traces of its vibrant story across continents.
The masterpiece before us showcases this script in its most expressive form—a pinnacle of craftsmanship. The animated figures seem to spring to life, wrapping around the rim like old friends sharing secrets.
What holds our attention further is the body of the cup, adorned with intricate interlacing bands. Each compartment reveals tiny yet powerful figures, uniting the essence of humanity and nature. These delicate representations dance together as if choreographed by the cosmos itself, illustrating the 12 signs of the zodiac. Here, astrology narrates its age-old tale—the belief that the positions of planets and stars might weave threads into the fabric of earthly lives.
This ancient practice traces its origins back to Mesopotamia, where the first stargazers looked up in wonder. It morphed and grew, capturing the attention of the Greeks, who in turn, passed it along to the medieval Islamic scholars through the precious act of translation. The cup stands as a beautiful reminder of this journey—a testament to the enduring nature of knowledge and the stories that bind us all.
As we contemplate the Wade Cup, we are reminded that every artifact carries its own narrative—of cultures, of beliefs, and of the shared human experience—as we resonate with these stories that continue to echo through time.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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