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This shallow round unadorned platter rests on a
low foot-ring located near the outer edge of the
piece. The bottom has a centering point with a
shallow groove around it, while the interior has a
similar centering point with a shallow groove
near the outer edge, over the foot ring. Judging
from these marks, it is safe to presume that this
piece was hammered out of a single piece of
silver and then turned on a lathe to smooth the
surfaces during the final stages of manufacture,
thereby producing the concentric grooves seen
on the interior and exterior. The plain surface,
lacking any decoration, and the large size
indicate that this plate was likely used as a
serving platter. Roman mosaics, specifically
those uncovered in Antioch, depict similar silver
platters being used as serving dishes.
In this respect, this platter would not appear out
of place in a modern house. Today, sets of finely
polished silverware are still essential when
entertaining. We can assume that anyone lucky
enough to be invited to a dinner party hosted by
the well-to-do family that originally owned this
work would have been quite impressed by the
inherent luxury and masterful workmanship of
this dish. We can picture it covered with an
assortment of tasty treats that the guest would
have nibbled on during the transitional period
from the end of the Roman Empire to the
beginning of the Byzantine era.
- (X.0164)
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