Sasanian Niello Inlay: Microanalytical Investigation of a Silver Oval Bowl with Tigers and Grapevines

Researchers utilized non-invasive analytical techniques such as micro-X-ray fluorescence (µ-XRF) spectroscopy, micro-X-ray diffraction (µ-XRD), and micro-Raman spectroscopy to examine a silver oval bowl adorned with tigers and grapevines, believed to date back to the Sasanian period of Iran (third t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inStudies in conservation pp. 1 - 9
Main Authors Oudbashi, Omid, Ziaii-Bigdeli, Layah, Carò, Federico
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published 2024
Subjects
acanthite
Historia och arkeologi
History and Archaeology
Materials Engineering
Materialteknik
niello
non-invasive analysis
Sasanian silverware
silver alloy
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Summary:Researchers utilized non-invasive analytical techniques such as micro-X-ray fluorescence (µ-XRF) spectroscopy, micro-X-ray diffraction (µ-XRD), and micro-Raman spectroscopy to examine a silver oval bowl adorned with tigers and grapevines, believed to date back to the Sasanian period of Iran (third to seventh centuries CE). The bowl, currently housed in the Department of Ancient Near Eastern Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, underwent analysis aimed at identifying the composition of both the silver alloy and the niello used in its decoration. The primary objective of the study was to discern the alloy composition and the niello application technique employed by Sasanian metalworkers. The findings revealed that the bowl is crafted from a silver–copper alloy containing approximately 3 wt.% of copper. Additionally, the niello inlays were determined to consist solely of silver sulfide (acanthite). The composition of the niello closely resembles that of early Roman niello inlays, suggesting a possible technological connection with Romans in the Sasanian period.
ISSN:0039-3630
2047-0584
2047-0584
DOI:10.1080/00393630.2024.2350271