Art Funded by you

Dish

Sasanian, c. 7th century or later

This dish is emblazoned with a bird-tailed dragon, the senmurv (or simurgh), a legendary Iranian beast, which combines the forms of a peacock, lion, griffin and dog, and was regarded as a creature of good omen. 'Sasanian' is the name given to the Iranian dynasty that was the dominant power in the Near East during the antique period and extended from Mesopotamia, to the Caucasus, Central Asia and Pakistan. This was the second work of Sasanian-style art to be added to the British Museum's collections with the support of the Art Fund.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Dish, c. 7th century or later

Date supported

1922

Medium and material

Silver gilt

Dimensions

Diameter: 19.3 cm

Grant

75

Total cost

75

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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