Vase of Entemena

The Vase of Entemena is a tripod type silver vase and was named after Entemena, the ruler of Lagash.

Discovery

The vase was recovered in Telloh in 1888 at the site of ancient Shirpurla by Ernest de Sarzec. It was donated to the Louvre by Sultan Abdul Hamid II in 1896 and was thought to be one of the oldest surviving examples of engraving on metal.

Dating

This vase is believed to date back to . The vase is believed to be dedicated to the war god Ningirsu.

Depictions

The legs of the vase are made of copper. On the surface of the vase lightly engraved, is an image of Anzud the lion-headed eagle, grasping two lions with his talons.

Reception

In 1910, Leonard William King described this vase as "the finest example of Sumerian metal work yet recovered."