Plate, Sasanian-Persian, 3rd-7th Century,...

Updated September 22, 2026

Gilt-Silver, Multi-Register Decoration with Central Royal Figure and Animal-Combat Friezes. <br><br>D:39cm Wt:968g<br><br>Sasanian-Persian gilt-silver plate, 3rd-7th century, a major luxury metal vessel of the Sasanian court, its decoration continuing Achaemenid Persian artistic traditions. The plate face is organised in three concentric registers of dense, magnificent ornament. The central medallion features a standing royal figure wearing a tall crown, beneath the winged-sun disk (symbol of Ahura Mazda); the king raises a mace in one hand and holds a sacred branch in the other, flanked by a spear-bearing attendant and two kneeling subordinate figures, embodying divine kingship. The middle register is filled with lions, griffins, apes and other fabulous beasts in combat or pursuit, rendered with vivid animation. The outer register encircles the plate with scenes of warriors fighting lions, human-beast encounters and sacred-tree motifs, building a majestic hierarchical composition. The entire vessel is executed in repouss?? high relief; figures and beasts are modelled with vigorous forms and precise, fluent lines. The silver ground has darkened with age, the ornament is gilded, and mottled green verdigris survives across the surface. The Sasanian dynasty regarded itself as heir to the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Its silverware frequently employs multi-register concentric compositions to express royal authority and animal-combat themes; the winged-sun disk, sacred tree and human-beast struggle are canonical iconographic elements of Persian royal art. This plate exhibits exceptionally complex craftsmanship and rich decorative layering, making it an important surviving artefact of Sasanian precious-metal technique and royal ideology. Plate in good overall condition.<br><br><br>ALL PROPERTY IS SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH NO RETURNS OR CANCELLATIONS.<br><br> Additional photographs and condition reports may be provided upon request as a courtesy only. Any condition report, catalogue description, image, certificate, report, document, authentication statement, authentication opinion, specialist opinion, or communication regarding origin, date, age, attribution, authenticity, authorship, signature, condition, provenance, or value is an opinion only and not a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Yakon Auctions.<br><br> The absence of reference to defects, restoration, wear, damage, handling marks, conservation, alteration, or repair does not mean the lot is free from such matters. Photographs are for reference only and may not accurately reflect color, tone, dimensions, condition, signature details, or the true state of the lot. Buyers should review all images carefully, as they form part of the description.<br><br> Provenance is provided by the consignor, prior owner, or most recent owner and may not be supported by records. All reports, COAs, appraisals, authentication letters, provenance statements, invoices, labels, or related doc

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