Plate With Winged Griffin (400s-600s CE)

The Plate with winged griffin, a silver artifact from the 6th–7th century, is a remarkable example of Soghdian artistry during the Hephtalite period. This intricately crafted object, now housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art, showcases a mythical griffin, symbolizing power and divine protection. Its detailed design and cultural significance offer a glimpse into the sophisticated metallurgical and artistic traditions of Central Asia along the Silk Road.

Originating in Soghdia, a vibrant region in Central Asia encompassing modern-day Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and parts of Turkmenistan, the plate was created during the Hephtalite period (circa 400s–600s CE). Soghdia, with key cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, was a cultural and commercial hub on the Silk Road, facilitating exchanges between Persian, Chinese, Indian, and nomadic traditions. The Hephtalites, a nomadic confederation often referred to as the “White Huns,” dominated parts of Soghdia during this time, fostering a cosmopolitan environment that influenced the region’s art. Crafted in the 500s–600s, the plate reflects the advanced silversmithing techniques of Soghdian artisans, likely commissioned for elite or ceremonial use.

The griffin, a hybrid creature with a lion’s body and eagle’s wings, may evoke parallels with the Simurgh, a mythical bird in later Persian lore, as seen in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh. The Simurgh, a benevolent guardian, could reflect earlier Soghdian narratives about divine protectors. Additionally, the griffin’s prominence in Soghdian art suggests it may have been linked to heroic tales or cosmological stories, possibly depicting victories over chaos or celestial guardianship. Such narratives, though speculative, align with the symbolic role of griffins in elite Soghdian contexts, where they adorned objects used in banquets or rituals.

The griffin is a recurring motif in Central Asian, Persian, and Greco-Bactrian art, symbolizing protection, power, and cosmic harmony. In Soghdia, influenced by Zoroastrian, Buddhist, and local traditions, the griffin likely carried multifaceted meanings: as a guardian of sacred spaces, a symbol of royal authority, and a mediator between earthly and divine realms. Its stylized wings and dynamic form reflect Soghdian artistic eclecticism, blending Mesopotamian, Achaemenid, and nomadic influences. The plate’s ceremonial function, possibly as a diplomatic gift or status symbol, underscores Soghdia’s role as a cultural crossroads on the Silk Road, where artisans synthesized diverse iconographies into a distinctive style.

The plate is crafted from silver, a prized material indicative of its elite patronage. It measures 4 cm (1 9/16 in.) in height and 32 cm (12 5/8 in.) in diameter. The griffin image was created using advanced silversmithing techniques, including repoussé (hammered relief) and engraving, which allowed for intricate detailing of the creature’s wings, body, and stylized features. The plate’s shallow, broad form suggests it was designed for display or use in ceremonial banquets, a common practice among Soghdian elites. The craftsmanship highlights the technical prowess of Soghdian artisans, who mastered metalwork to produce durable yet ornate objects.

The plate’s early provenance is not fully documented, as is common with many Soghdian artifacts, which were often excavated or traded without detailed records. It likely originated in a Soghdian urban center, possibly Samarkand or Bukhara, and may have been part of a hoard or elite burial. By the 20th century, it entered the art market and was acquired by the Cleveland Museum of Art in 1967.