tour 6 of 11
Iran before Islam: The Sasanians
Delegation of power
The central scene shows a seated king offering
a ring as a symbol of power to a standing figure. The royal throne
is supported by mythical winged beings, who act as guardians of
kingship. The lower register shows two figures. One stands and
offers a diadem
(headband) to a seated figure. A banquet scene surrounds the
central theme.
The Sasanian
silversmiths were very skilful and the beauty of their products
gave Sasanian silver a widespread influence. This was felt as far
away as China, where motifs were copied during the early Tang
dynasty (AD 618-906). There is a direct borrowing of themes from
the classical world in some Sasanian silverware; at the same time
stylistic techniques of Persia and the Near East moved westwards
and were absorbed into the art of Rome.