Sogdian Metalworking Technology

Timeline

1. 501–600Panjikent · Sughd ProvinceSilver plates, high-stemmed cups and other objects excavated from 6th-century Sogdian city sites such as Panjikent were formed by repoussé, with chiseled detail and mercury gilding. Surfaces commonly show hunting, banquet and mythological scenes, blending Iranian Sasanian artistic elements with native Sogdian style.
2. 501–600Afrasiab (old city of Samarkand) · Samarqand RegionMurals at the Afrasiab site in Samarkand depict Sogdian envoys exchanging gifts with foreign rulers, showing fine metal vessels and confirming the important role of Sogdian metalwork as diplomatic and trade goods on the Silk Road in the 6th century.
3. 501–600Central Asian section of the Silk Road · Silk Road6th-century Sogdian merchants were active along the Silk Road, bringing metal vessels and techniques to northern dynasties such as Northern Wei and Northern Qi and to the Turkic khaganate. Sogdian-style gold and silver ware excavated in northern China shows that repoussé, soldering and gilding techniques were absorbed by East Asian craftsmen.