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Why is the Cup of Solomon considered a major example of Sasanian metalwork?
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Iranian art and architecture
Ziggurat at Choghā Zanbīl near Susa, Iran.
The Cup of Solomon is considered a major example of Sasanian metalwork because it is regarded as perhaps the most sumptuous specimen of the period's craftsmanship. Dating to the time of Khosrow I, this gold and enamel drinking vessel exemplifies the high level of artistry achieved by Sasanian metalworkers.1
Beyond its technical mastery, the cup is historically significant due to its provenance; according to one tradition, it was a gift from the caliph Hārūn al-Rashīd to Charlemagne. It is currently housed in the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris.1