Details

LOT 1058

Early Sassanian Silver Footed Bowl

3RD CENTURY A.D.

7 3/8 in. (590 grams, 18.8 cm wide).

The lower body formed as slender flutes in relief, concentric rings to the interior, resting on a flaring shallow foot, possibly Parthian.

Provenance

Acquired on the London art market, 1971-1974.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11785-206404.

Literature

Cf. Gunter, A.C., Jett, P., Ancient Iranian Metalwork in the Arthur M.Sackler Gallery and the Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, 1992, no.6, pp.83ff.

Footnotes

The wealth of the Sassanid court has been confirmed by archaeological excavations that have unearthed shallow vessels, among which bowls forged from precious metals like silver, likely used to drink wine in the palaces and at the court of the Šāhanšāh (King of Kings). The production of silver vessels and dinner objects for the court was highly centralised within the empire. In the 5th and 6th century A.D., this production expanded, creating new shapes, such as pitchers, elliptical bowls and high footed bowls, also used by the middle class. This vessel is continuing the tradition of the vessels in the Arsacid court.