Sep Ancient Art & Paintings & Collectibles
Lot 159:
Description
D:39cm Wt:968g
Sasanian-Persian gilt-silver plate, 3rd-7th century, a luxury metal vessel of the Sasanian court. The centre of the plate is formed by repouss?? high-relief technique. At the centre stands a nude goddess in profile, wearing an elaborate tiara with trailing ribbons, pendant earrings and a beaded necklace. Both arms are raised aloft, the hands jointly supporting a large crescent-shaped arch ornamented with incised dots and linear patterns. Wing-like scarves extend outward from both arms with fluent, ornate lines. The goddess assumes a dancing, advancing pose, standing upon a row of lotus-bud motifs; a peacock is rendered on each side at her feet, their tail feathers detailed with eye-spot patterns. The silver ground has darkened with age while the reliefs are gilded; patches of green verdigris survive, creating a rich contrast between silver and gold. The goddess is likely Anahita, the Sasanian Persian deity of water and fertility, for whom the crescent, peacock and nudity are characteristic iconographic attributes. Sasanian silverware is celebrated for its repouss?? relief technique. Silver plates served as banqueting or ceremonial vessels for the aristocracy. A highly important artefact for the study of Sasanian religious art and precious-metal craftsmanship. Plate in good overall condition.
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