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Plate Depicting a Female Figure Riding a Fantastic Winged Beast. Attributed to Iran, probably 8th century. Materials; Silver; gilded, chased, and engraved, with applied elements. Measurement; H. 1 9/16 in. (4.0 cm) Diam. 8 1/8 in. (20.6 cm), Metropolitan Museum of Art; New York City.

PLATE DEPICTING A FEMALE RIDING A FANTASTIC WINGED BEAST

This plate, attributed to Iran, contains an amalgamation of cultural influences. As reported by the MET, the female figure's twisted body and the representation on the lower part of the plate of earth, water, and sky, resembles art from seventh and early eighth century Central Asian wall paintings from Panjikent. The plate is representative of post-Sasanian metalwork, with both figures heads forged in high relief. The technique and representational choices are cause for debate over the original place of creation. Acknowledgemnt that her halo indicates that she could possibly be a Goddess serves as further evidence of the agreement that halos denote divine importance.

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