A SASANIAN SILVER-GILT PLATE, CIRCA 4TH CENTURY A.D.

A SASANIAN SILVER-GILT PLATE, CIRCA 4TH CENTURY A.D.

of shallow rounded form with low ring foot, the interior carved within a broad medallion in shallow relief and partially overlaid in high relief with a royal hunting scene, the king riding his steed at full gallop, turning backward, and preparing to unleash his arrow at a pursuing lion, another lion, probably wounded, sprawled below on a rocky outcrop, broken arrows and blades in the field, the king wearing a long-sleeved tunic with dotted rosettes, beaded chest halter with central boss, and crescentic crown, a sheathed sword at his side, his steed with cropped mane, bound and beribboned tail, fringed blanket, and quilted saddle cloth, a large tree towering in the background, engraved on the underside of the foot with a line of Middle Persian inscription, probably an indication of the weight.
Diameter 22.5 cm.; weight 622 gr.

Condition Report:
To request a condition report for this lot, please contact ancientsculpture@sothebys.com.

Provenance:
Leo Biaggi de Blasys (1906-1979), Lugano, acquired in the 1950s/1960s

by descent to the present owner