Plate with Shapur II on a Lion Hunt

Among those most frequently found on Sasanian fine metalwork are representations of a king out hunting. The lion is depicted here in two hypostases: first pierced by the king with a sword and then defeated down below. The horseman is considered to be Shapur II – an assumption made from the shape of his crown, recognised from the coins issued during his reign. Crowns were never passed down to heirs, with every king having a headdress of his own. Shapur II is wearing a robe and loose-fitting trousers – classic Iranian dress, designed by nomadic tribes and borrowed by the Sasanians from the Parthians. Standing out among the numerous decorations are those that are only characteristic of Sasanian kings. These include a chest strap (apezak) and a chain or a golden ribbon for tying up the tip of the beard. Scores of fluttering ribbons are yet another hallmark of Sasanian royal dress. The features of the horse anatomy and the harness are rendered in a highly detailed manner, with a fine bow on the tip of the tail worthy of special attrention.
The dynamic, plastic and expressive qualities of the image as well as the meticulous depiction of every fine detail are what makes this plate the pearl of the Hermitage collection of Sasanian silver.