Sassanian Silver Bowl with Engraved Gilded Bird. 6th century A.D. A silver elliptical-shaped bowl with thickened chamfered rim, the centre engraved with a later gilt standing guinea fowl showing tufts of feathers crested on its head, enclosed within a stylised laurel leaf wreath. Cf. for similar bowl with gilded guinea fowl Akbarzadeh, D., Daryaee, T., Lerner, A.J., ‘Two recently discovered Sassanian silver bowls’ in Bulletin of the Asia Institute, New Series, Vol. 15, (2001), pp.71-75, fig.2. 120 grams, 15.2 cm wide (6 in.) UK private collection before 2000. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. 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 Š?hanš?h (King of Kings). The production of silver vessel 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. The presence of a guinea fowl on this bowl is interesting and could tell us about another function for the vessel. Animal fat was important in Persian daily life and had a variety of usages: for example, pih-e buz (goat fat) was placed in bowls and used as a cosmetic lotion, or for treating cracked skin.

Fine condition.