Silver plate with Shapur II
Type:
Plates
Date:
Fourth century
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Iran
Medium:
Gilt-silver
Dimensions:
Approximate diameter of 18 cm
Description:
This silver plate likely shows Shapur II (r. 309–79), the tenth shahanshah of the Sasanian Empire. The Avesta, the primary collection of religious texts of Zoroastrianism, was completed during his reign—the same period during which Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire.
The image on the plate shows the ruler leaping onto a stag, grabbing it by the antlers, and stabbing it in the neck. A second dear crouches below. As seen on the coins of Shapur I, Shapur II wears a crenelated crown and a korymbos (spherical veiled headdress) and his his hair and beard bound. Symbolic huntings scenes and emphases on physical power were common in images of Sasanian kingship.
The image on the plate shows the ruler leaping onto a stag, grabbing it by the antlers, and stabbing it in the neck. A second dear crouches below. As seen on the coins of Shapur I, Shapur II wears a crenelated crown and a korymbos (spherical veiled headdress) and his his hair and beard bound. Symbolic huntings scenes and emphases on physical power were common in images of Sasanian kingship.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
1,
2
Repository and Online Resources:
• Read more about the silver plate on the website of the British Museum.
• Listen to a podcast on this silver plate in the BBC series "A History of the World in 100 Objects."
Image Credits:
© Trustees of the British Museum
Tags:
Sasanian,
Persian,
Late Antique,
Western Asian,
Metalwork,
Animals
