A SASANIAN SILVER BOWL

CIRCA 5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.

Details

A SASANIAN SILVER BOWL
CIRCA 5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
Of elliptical form, the interior with a central medallion enclosing a bird with splayed tail feathers, a ribbon tied around its neck, above and below grow a pair of flowering and fruiting stylized plants with a long tailed bird perched in each, a draped girl standing on either side wearing long close-fitting garment, hair tied back and wearing a cap with top-knot, grasping a branch in her right hand and reaching out to a fruit with her left, details incised, faint traces of gilding remaining
10¼ in. (26 cm.) wide

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Lot Essay

Elliptical 'boat vessels' were a standard form of drinking vessel used at Sasanian banquets, where decorated gold or silver tableware testified to their owners' prestige. The ornamental foliage bearing fruit as well as the dancing girls and animals shown on this bowl are typical motifs. While the birds may carry associations of hunting, a sport popular among the elite, the plants and nude maidens could possibly be linked to the cult of Anahita, the Iranian goddess of fertility, healing and wisdom.

For the motif of a bird with a ribbon tied around its neck, cf. P.O. Harper, The Royal Hunter. Art of the Sassanian Empire, New York, 1978, nos 21 and 26.

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