Art Funded by you

Inscribed vessel of Utu-Hegal, King of Uruk

Unknown artist, c. 2123–2113 BC

This bronze vessel dating from 2123-2113 BC, was made and inscribed for the Mesopotamian King, Utu-hegal. The King ruled in the city of Uruk, situated in what we now know as southern Iraq, and was an important ruler, celebrated in poetic terms for having ousted invaders called the Guti, who had held sway in Mesopotamia for about a century. The vessel's inscription claims Utu-hegal's kingship over the 4 quarters of the world, and concludes with a curse, meant to prevent the vessel's removal. The formula is long, and it has raised the possibility that it might originally have been held by a statue of the king, perhaps deposited in a temple in Uruk as a perpetual reminder of Utu-hegal's piety and excellence as a ruler. The text, as well as the object, is unique.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Inscribed vessel of Utu-Hegal, King of Uruk, c. 2123–2113 BC

Date supported

1999

Medium and material

Bronze

Dimensions

15 x 15.5 cm

Grant

10000

Total cost

25878

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

Art Funded by you FAQs

Why is this object record marked 'archive'?
Where can I see this work of art? Is it on display?
What is Art Fund's purpose?
How is Art Fund funded?
What type of funding do you offer?
What does the acquisition grants programme support and who can apply?
How many works of art has Art Fund helped museums to acquire?
I’m a curator/researcher/arts professional and would like to find out more about this work, how do I get in touch?
I’m a journalist and would like to contact Art Fund about this work, how do I get in touch?
I would like to donate a work of art to a museum. What do I need to do?
I'd like to leave a gift to Art Fund in my will. How can I do this?

Contact us

If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.