C. 224-651 AD. Sassanian. A silver boat-shaped vessel with a rectangular 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; on a custom stand.Size: L:45mm / W:168mm ; 190g; Provenance: Property of a professional London art expert; obtained from an old British collection formed in the 1970s.