Lot 494

Large Sasanian Silver Plate | Eagle Attacking Ibex

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Large Sasanian Silver Plate | Eagle Attacking Ibex

Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000

Starting Bid: $5,000

(0 Bids)

June 12, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US

Description:

Ancient Near East. Iran, ca. 8th century CE. Large silver plate, decorated with a chased and engraved impressive eagle attacking an ibex, biting his neck while standing on the ibex’ back. The head of the Ibex is held in a upward position, open mouth with protruding tongue, legs folded under his body. The eagle is highly detailed. A beautifully decorated example.

The predator-and-prey motif was one of the most enduring and charged themes in Sassanian royal art, carrying deep associations with kingship, divine authority, and the cosmic order. The eagle — simurgh-adjacent in Sassanian iconography — was a symbol of royal power and celestial force, while the ibex represented the natural abundance over which the king held dominion Size: 12”D (30.5cm).

Provenance: Private NYC. collection. Ex. David Anavian collection, Los Angeles, CA., 1979-1980.

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Item # 71490

  • Condition: Overall scattered dark gray filler along the cracks and small losses.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 + $1,000