A rare silver tray from the Samanid era is on display at the Islamic Civilization Center
This object dates to the late 10th century — the first half of the 11th century and was produced on commission for a high-ranking official during the Samanid period. The tray is made of gilt silver and measures 4.2 × 37 × 21.9 cm. It was crafted from a single hammered sheet of silver. At the center of the rectangular tray, within a medallion, an image of a mythological creature is rendered in engraved technique and enclosed by a gilt border. Its side surfaces are also gilt, and decorative motifs depicting mythological creatures appear at the center and corners of the raised sides on all four edges. One of the main decorative elements of the object is the Arabic inscription. The letters are executed in relief, while the spaces between the inscriptions are adorned with recessed dots.
The inscription on the tray clearly identifies the person for whom the object was made:
“Glory, prosperity, and dominion to the amir, hajib, great leader, commander Abu Mansur Nushtegin al-Nu‘mani; may [Allah] perpetuate his rule and prolong his life.”
The mention of such high-ranking titles as “amir,” “hajib,” “great leader,” and “commander” indicates that this object was a luxury item specially commissioned for a high-ranking official.