PERSIA, QAJAR DYNASTY. Circa 1800-1850 AD. Silver Box (148mm x 93mm x 58mm). A Masterpiece of Shiraz Silver Artwork. All hand-chased depicting the early Sasanian Kings. Excellent condition. Toned. Extremely rare. "This is imitation of Sasanian investiture rock reliefs in the province of Fars (Ancient Persis) which can bee seen in Naqsh-e Rustam for Ardashir I as well as Tang-e Choagaan for Bahram I the horseman on the left is Ahuramazda giving the ring of power (Khwarrah-Greatness also known essence of world's life) to Ardashir I, founder of Sasanid dynasty. The figure trampled under Ahuramazda's horse is indicative of Ahriman (evil). The figure trampled under Ardashir's horse is the last Parthian king Artabanus VI. A zoroastrian fire altar has been added between the horses which is not in the original rock carving. Also star and crescent has been added between the horses. This is a highly skilled silver carving and working by an engraver who was familiar with elements of Sasanian culture such as fire altar, crescent and star. more than likely the engraver was Zoroastrian.