The Anastasios Dish
Dublin Core
Title
The Anastasios Dish
Subject
491-518, excavated from Sutton Hoo, silver, 564 g, British Museum
Description
Large shallow silver platter with a deep foot-ring set off-centre, made in one piece with the platter. The whole platter is virtually flat, with a flat raised rim and a slight lip.
In the centre of the platter is a roundel, comprising a medallion holding a small bird with outstretched wings, set within an eight-pointed star formed by two crossed squares. Between the points of the star are fleur-de-lys motifs. Outside this is a circular band of running spirals. This design is contained within a larger eight-pointed star also formed by two crossed squares, filled with frond, palmette and fleur-de-lys ornament. The frames of the squares contain a running spiral design. Between the points of this star are foliate fleur-de-lys, scroll and leaf motifs. The entire roundel is contained within a plain circular border.
Between the roundel and the rim is a ring of engraved ornament, divided into four segments by four evenly spaced medallions, with each segment containing a different foliate and geometric design. Two of the medallions depict a seated female figure, holding an orb and a spear; the other two medallions depict running female figures carrying different objects before them.
The rim is similarly decorated with engraved ornament, divided into four segments by four small, evenly spaced, medallions, with each segment also containing a different foliate and geometric design. The medallions depict running figures carrying objects before them.
A large area in the middle of the platter is undecorated, and shows signs of wear and cracking, as does the rim.
There are four control stamps of Emperor Anastasius I on the back of the platter, within the foot-ring. Two different control stamps were used twice each: one hexagonal, and one oblong in shape.
Inscription
In the centre of the platter is a roundel, comprising a medallion holding a small bird with outstretched wings, set within an eight-pointed star formed by two crossed squares. Between the points of the star are fleur-de-lys motifs. Outside this is a circular band of running spirals. This design is contained within a larger eight-pointed star also formed by two crossed squares, filled with frond, palmette and fleur-de-lys ornament. The frames of the squares contain a running spiral design. Between the points of this star are foliate fleur-de-lys, scroll and leaf motifs. The entire roundel is contained within a plain circular border.
Between the roundel and the rim is a ring of engraved ornament, divided into four segments by four evenly spaced medallions, with each segment containing a different foliate and geometric design. Two of the medallions depict a seated female figure, holding an orb and a spear; the other two medallions depict running female figures carrying different objects before them.
The rim is similarly decorated with engraved ornament, divided into four segments by four small, evenly spaced, medallions, with each segment also containing a different foliate and geometric design. The medallions depict running figures carrying objects before them.
A large area in the middle of the platter is undecorated, and shows signs of wear and cracking, as does the rim.
There are four control stamps of Emperor Anastasius I on the back of the platter, within the foot-ring. Two different control stamps were used twice each: one hexagonal, and one oblong in shape.
Inscription
Files
Collection
Citation
“The Anastasios Dish,” HAA Image Hosting, accessed May 11, 2026, https://haaimagehosting.omeka.fas.harvard.edu/items/show/1429.
Embed
Copy the code below into your web page