Decorated Sasanian silver bowl in the shape of a boat. 6th - 7th century AD. H 6.3, L 24.3cm, W 11.8cm. Longitudinally oval bowl of embossed silver with a bulging rim. An engraved dancer with crotals in the center. Outside under the rim a sculptural frieze with a vine framed by pearl strings with inserted birds. Cf. Overlaet - M. Ruyssinck (eds.), Splendeur des Sassanides - L'empire Perse entre Rome et la Chine (224 - 642). Exhibition Brussels (1993) p. 230 no. 81. Minor traces of corrosion, otherwise intact. Provenance: ex Gorny & Mosch auction 239, Munich 2016, lot 371; ex London private collection E. S., since the 1980s.

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.