C. 224-651 AD. Sassanian. A silver boat-shaped vessel with an elliptical 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. Excellent condition; Size: L:55mm / W:204mm ; 210g; Provenance: From the private collection of a Somerset gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK /European art markets.