Musicians plate (Persian: بشقاب نوازندگان) is a partially gilded silver plate or dish found in Tabaristan.[1] It was probably made in the 7th or 8th century in modern Iran, then under the Sasanian Empire, and is now in the British Museum. It shows a ruler reclining luxuriously, as he picnics while his musicians play.[2] The plain background is gilded, while the figures and objects in low relief are left in silver. The musician on the far right is playing a stringed instrument which could possibly be an oud or barbat.

Musicians plate
Sasanian silver dish, showing a ruler at outdoor banquet with attendants and musicians.
MaterialSilver, Gold
Size
  • Diameter: 19.7 centimetres
  • Height: 4 centimetres
Created7th century
Period/cultureSasanid
DiscoveredTabaristan
Present locationBritish Museum, London
Identification1963,1210.3
British Museum webpage for this plate.

It was bequeathed to the museum by Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks in 1897.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Mohammad Panh, Behnam. Ancient land (in Persian). Sabzan. ISBN 978-964-8249-34-7.
  2. ^ "Dish", British Museum webpage for this plate.
  3. ^ "Dish", British Museum webpage for this plate.