This gilded silver vessel demonstrates the extraordinary technical mastery and fine design skill of Sassanian metalworkers. The four females decorating the body appear to be dancers, but this motif may be based upon the image of Anahita, a Persian goddess of royalty and war, but particularly associated with fertility. Like these figures, Anahita is often depicted standing surrounded by vegetation, especially grape vines, in a pose reminiscent of dancing or walking.

Luxury objects such as this were popular in China during the Tang period, when Iranian culture was held in high esteem. The Tang-era records tell us that Iranian garments were in vogue at court, and Iranian music and food were offered at palace feasts. Such fare, which included imported grape wine, would certainly have been served in vessels such as this. Similarly shaped and decorated vessels, including an example at the British Museum, were pierced on the bottom like a strainer, and may have been used to remove the lees from wine.