Iran, Sassanian period 6-7th C Silver and gilt S1987.107 The exact function of this rimmed circular disk is not certain, but it may have served as a lid. The meaning of its design also defies easy explanation. A sinuous yet stylized vine scroll with abundant leaves and grapes covers the surface and surrounds a central medallion featuring a duck. A hunting dog and perhaps a jackal eats the fruits, and three birds appear along the outer edges. The scene may be a visual reference to paradeisos, the large "paradises" or enclosed cultivated landscapes that were used for royal hunting expeditions throughout the empire.
aperture=f4.5 focal length: 60.0 mm exposure 1/200 sec ISO: 2000