Iran or western Asia
7th or early 8th century AD
silver, beaten and worked in relief, with linear engraving enhanced by niello and traces of gilding
38.5cm (height)
The central oval medallion depicts a two-headed eagle, flanked by oval medallions with advancing gryphons. The choice of monsters and workmanship are typical of Sasanian art on the frontiers of the Iranian world, perhaps ancient Tokharistan, the area south of the Oxus River, in the east. However, the heraldic poses of the eagle and gryphons may suggest a workshop to the west of Iran, in Syria or possibly even in Constantinople.
J.M. Rogers, The Arts of Islam. Masterpieces from the Khalili Collection, London 2010, cat.15, p.40.