Ca. 224-651 AD.A silver boat-shaped vessel with a rectangular plan, sloping sides, and rounded bottom. The Sassanian empire which ruled from Afghanistan to Iraq during the third to seventh centuries AD is famed for the high quality of its ceremonial metalware, which was used both during banqueting and during religious rituals. Under the Sasanians Iranian art experienced a general renaissance. Artistically, this period witnessed some of the highest achievements of Iranian civilization. Metalwork and gem engraving became highly sophisticated.Size: L:35mm / W:180mm ; 110gProvenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.