Achaemenid Silver Dish

Crescent plaque with granulated inner borders and radiating triangles of granulation surrounded by a band of nineteen spheres, representing pomegranates, each with a filigree collar above and below, the outer band consisting of smaller spheres with a granulated pyramidal finial, at the centre a teardrop-shaped garnet cabochon set in a cell with a granulated border flanked by spirals. 13.55 grams, 51 mm



Ex David Lindhal, London, UK, in the 1990s. From a privately held London, UK, collection from the 1980s-1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13267-253966.

Fruits were generally considered to be a symbol of sensuality, temptation and fertility; the giving and accepting of fruit may be regarded as a symbolic sexual act, or at least a prelude to marriage. It follows naturally that the pomegranate, with its innumerable fleshy seeds symbolising life and fecundity, was an attribute of Aphrodite.

With squat profile, broad shoulder, wide neck and flared rim; strap handle with thumb-pad to the rim; bands of reserved tendrils on a hatched field. 818 grams, 18.5 cm



UK collection, 1990s. Acquired on the UK art market, before 2000. Private collection, Mr M.V., a London-based businessman.

Domed upper body and underside with a winged figure. 1.67 grams, 14 mm



From a late Warwickshire numismatic collector, his collection formed from the early 1980s.