ITEM: Statuette of a bull MATERIAL: Silver CULTURE: Near Eastern PERIOD: 224 – 651 A.D DIMENSIONS: 12 mm x 7 mm x 20 mm CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, collected before 1990s Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks. The Sasanian Empire (224–651 CE) was one of the most powerful and influential empires of ancient Persia, succeeding the Parthian Empire and preceding the rise of Islam. Known for its sophisticated culture, military prowess, and architectural achievements, the Sasanian Empire was a major political and cultural force in the region, rivaling the Roman and Byzantine Empires. The Sasanian period is often regarded as a high point in Persian civilization, characterized by a resurgence of Zoroastrianism as the state religion, which deeply influenced art and symbolism throughout the empire. Bull statuettes from the Sasanian period hold significant cultural and religious symbolism. In Zoroastrianism, the bull was a sacred animal associated with the god Mithra, a deity of covenant and oaths, as well as with the cosmic battle between good and evil. The bull symbolized strength, fertility, and the life force, making it a potent figure in Sasanian art. These statuettes, often crafted from materials like bronze, silver, or clay, were likely used in religious rituals or as offerings in temples. The craftsmanship of these figurines varied, with some showing a high degree of detail and realism, capturing the power and majesty of the bull. The artistic representation of bulls in Sasanian culture extended beyond statuettes, influencing other forms of art such as reliefs, seals, and coins. Bulls were frequently depicted in royal and religious contexts, emphasizing their importance in Sasanian iconography. The bull’s association with kingship and divine power made it a recurring motif in Sasanian art, symbolizing the ruler's strength and the empire's connection to divine authority.