Holding his serpent-entwined staff, bowl, rooster, and dog, Asklepios is the god of medicine and health in Greek mythology. The term Asklepieion refers to healing sanctuaries of the ancient world—centers established to treat and restore the sick. One of Anatolia’s most renowned healing sites was the Pergamon (Bergama) Asklepieion, founded in the 4th century BC. With its Temple and Sacred Healing Area, it became a destination not only for the people of Pergamon but also for countless visitors from across the Aegean world seeking cures and wellbeing.
Because illness and healing were central concerns of ancient societies, Asklepios held immense importance, frequently represented on coins—a powerful way to communicate civic identity, faith, and cultural values. The earliest known use of the serpent as a medical symbol dates back to the Sumerians, where the motif appears as two intertwined snakes—one male and one female—wrapped around a staff. In this symbolism, the staff represents the tree of life, while the serpent signifies youth and renewal. For thousands of years, the serpent-and-staff motif remained a protective and healing emblem in reliefs and images, and since the Asklepios cult it has stood as the universal symbol of medicine.
Part of the “Speaking Coins” Collection, the Asklepios Vase was designed in inspiration of Pergamon’s serpent-themed coins—created as a form of ancient “health propaganda.” The vase depicts the iconic two intertwined serpents, symbolizing protection and healing. Figures adapted from Roman Imperial-era Pergamon coins featuring Asklepios have been reinterpreted and applied onto glass.
On one side, the design reflects the right-facing bust of the Roman Emperor Commodus as a youth, accompanied by his name and titles, alongside depictions of Asklepios and his daughter Hygieia. On the other side, the Roman Emperor Commodus appears again, crowned with a laurel wreath, with Asklepios shown seated on a throne, feeding a serpent from a patera held in his right hand.
The Asklepios Vase is crafted from handmade amber-colored glass, and all decorative motifs are meticulously hand-decorated using 24-carat gold gilding, showcasing exceptional artisanal craftsmanship and a timeless archaeological narrative.
Pergamon Asklepios Vase
Diameter: 12 cm
Height: 30 cmLimited Edition
%100 Handmade
Cleaning Suggestion: Wipe with a dry cloth
