Sep Ancient Art & Paintings & Collectibles
Lot 77:
Description
D:21cm Wt:288.7g
Sasanian-Persian gilt-silver plate, 3rd-7th century, a luxury metal vessel of the Sasanian court. The centre of the plate is decorated in repouss?? high relief with a dynamic scene of two mounted warriors in combat. The warrior on the left is clad in lamellar armour and helmet, his right arm raised high with a mace-like weapon in striking pose, left hand holding the reins, a sword suspended at his waist. His armoured charger rears, its hindquarters ornamented with circular beaded medallions. The warrior on the right has curly hair and beard, wears scale armour, and thrusts a long spear toward his opponent, a curved sword at his side; his horse charges with raised forelegs. The two steeds cross in fierce engagement. Details of lamellar plates, horse trappings and weapons are rendered with exceptional precision, the relief deeply modelled. The silver ground has darkened with age, the decoration is gilded, and green verdigris survives along the upper rim. Royal combat and hunting scenes are quintessential themes in Sasanian silverware, proclaiming royal martial prowess. Silver plates served as banqueting or ceremonial vessels for the Sasanian aristocracy. This example exhibits masterful repouss?? technique with vividly rendered figures and horses, making it an important surviving artefact of Sasanian precious-metal craftsmanship and martial iconography. Plate in good overall condition.
Share this lot:
