Sasanid Collection

Baku, Azerbaijan - Harbour and Maiden Tower (Kis-Kali). Built by the 12th century architect Masud ibn Davud, who was probably the father of the architect of Mardakan Round Tower

Silver Cup decorated with a female figure, 5th-6th century. Creator: Sassanian Art
Silver Cup decorated with a female figure, 5th-6th century. Found in the Collection of the National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan, Dushanbe

Gold and Silver Kettle, 569. Creator: Sassanian Art
Gold and Silver Kettle, 569. Found in the Collection of the Guyuan Museum, Ningxia

Gold and Silver Kettle, 569. Creator: Sassanian Art
Gold and Silver Kettle, 569. Found in the Collection of the Guyuan Museum, Ningxia

Magic bowl with an incantation text in Judeo-Aramaic and an image of the demon Lilith, 5th-6th century. Found in the Collection of Musee de la Castre, Cannes

Arrowhead, c. 3rd-7th century (bronze)
5049836 Arrowhead, c.3rd-7th century (bronze) by Sasanian School; 1.3x4.7 cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA; (add.info.: From Iran, Qasr-i Abu Nasr); Iranian, out of copyright

Exterior view, c. 907 AD (photo)
XIR117437 Exterior view, c.907 AD (photo) by Islamic School, (10th century); Samanid Mausoleum, Bukhara, Uzbekistan; (add.info)

Plate with a hunting scene from the tale of Bahram Gur and Azadeh, c
5889291 Plate with a hunting scene from the tale of Bahram Gur and Azadeh, c.5th century (silver & mercury gilding) by Sasanian School; 4.1x20.1x20.1 cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Wall panel with a charging boar, c. 6th century AD (stucco)
5049831 Wall panel with a charging boar, c.6th century AD (stucco) by Sasanian School; 29.5x38.1 cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Plate with youths and winged horses, c. 5th-6th century A. D (silver, mercury gilding)
3492983 Plate with youths and winged horses, c.5th-6th century A.D (silver, mercury gilding) by Sasanian School; 21 diameter cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Plate with king hunting rams, c. 500 A. D. (silver, mercury gilding, niello inlay)
3493081 Plate with king hunting rams, c.500 A.D. (silver, mercury gilding, niello inlay) by Sasanian School; 21.9 diameter cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Relief depicting the investiture of King Ardashir I (c. 210-241
XIR117126 Relief depicting the investiture of King Ardashir I (c.210-241) founder of the Sassanian empire in ancient Persia (limestone) by Sasanian, (3rd century AD); Naqsh-e Rostam, Iran; Iranian

Shallow bowl, 4th-5th century (silver & gilt)
5907011 Shallow bowl, 4th-5th century (silver & gilt) by Sasanian School; 4.3A--19.2 cm; (add.info.: Greek culture was introduced to Central Asia following the conquests of Alexander the Great around)

Plate with an archer hunting lion, ca. 250-ca. 650. Creator: Sassanian Art
Plate with an archer hunting lion, ca. 250-ca. 650. Found in the collection of National Museum of Iran, Tehran

Persian lustred wall-tile: a mounted Sassanian archer, 19th century. Creator: Henry Wallis
Persian lustred wall-tile: a mounted Sassanian archer; Pl 26. from the Godman Collection: Persian Ceramic Art in the Collection of Mr F Duane Godman FRS; 19th century (colour lithograph)

Gold Dinar with Bust of Shapur I the Great. Private Collection

Sassanid Glass Bowl
A Sassanid Glass Bowl circa 4th century CE

The Maiden Tower at Baku, Azerbaijan
The Maiden Tower (Kis-Kali) at Baku, Azerbaijan. Built by the 12th century architect Masud ibn Davud, who was probably the father of the architect of Mardakan Round Tower

ARTAXERXES Sasanid ruler in the Middle East, whose conquests comprised Iran, Babylonia, Mesopotamia and parts of south-eastern Arabia

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The Sasanid Empire, also known as the Sassanian Empire, was a powerful civilization that thrived from the 3rd to 7th century AD. Located in present-day Iran, it left behind an impressive legacy of art and architecture. One of the remnants of this glorious empire can be found in Baku, Azerbaijan. The city's harbor and Maiden Tower stand as testaments to the Sasanid influence on this region. As you explore these ancient landmarks, you'll discover their rich history and architectural marvels. Delve deeper into the Sasanid culture by examining artifacts like the magic bowl adorned with an incantation text in Judeo-Aramaic and an image of Lilith, a demon from folklore. This relic from the 5th-6th century showcases their beliefs and mystical practices. Another significant event during this era was depicted in a remarkable artwork called "The Victory of Heraclius and the Execution of Chosroes. " Created during 628 AD as part of the True Cross Cycle, it portrays a pivotal moment when Byzantine Emperor Heraclius defeated King Chosroes II. Weapons were essential elements for warfare during those times. An arrowhead made of bronze dating back to c. 3rd-7th century serves as evidence of their advanced metallurgical skills. Step back even further into time with an exterior view captured around 907 AD. This photo gives us insight into how cities within the empire were structured during its later years. Sasanid artisans excelled at creating intricate decorative objects like plates depicting hunting scenes or mythological tales such as Bahram Gur and Azadeh's story. These exquisite pieces crafted between c. 500 A. D. -c. 6th century A. D. , showcase their mastery over materials like silver, mercury gilding, niello inlay, garnet stones, rock crystal & green glass.