Ca. 600 ADA museum-quality silver boat-shaped bowl with an elliptical plan, sloping sides, and rounded bottom. Decorated with a right-facing gilded fish. 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. For a similar, but with a repouss?decoration of a bird see The British Museum, London - Museum number 135700.Size: L:35mm / W:230mm ; 175gProvenance: Property of a London Ancient Art gallery; formerly in Welbank collection since 1980s.