Silver-gilt plate dating Sasanian 4th century A.D. is now for sale at Bonhams

LONDON - There is a silver-gilt plate, dating 1600 years ago, which is estimated to be sold for 250.000 £! It is one of the top lots put out for auction during Bonhams sale of Antiquities, on 3rd April in London.

The plate is decorated in relief and it reveals king considered to be Hormizd II, from the area known today as Iran. He is riding a horse, while hunting ostriches or great bustards.

This very rare plate is almost a kilogram heavy. It seems that its representation respects the pattern for the royal hunting scenes, according to Sasanian art style. To be more specific, here's the details that are royal to this style: kings hunting boar, rams, stags and lions. The representation of an ostrich or bustard however is extremely rare.

The bird-headed crown with wings is associated with Hormizd II. So, it seems this plate shows the king wearing a crown of a winged eagle with two pearls in its mouth.

This plate is revealing Hormizd II as a young prince, since he appears without his usual beard, plus his hair is straight after his father Narseh's style.

Usually, Sasanian crown princes are shown without beards.