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An ancient silk cloth from Sassanid era with the design of a phoenix, Jaam-e Jahaan Namaa exhibition, Bonyad museum, from a collection of Shah's courtieres and generals' properties that were put into requisition following the revolution of 1979.
The Sassanid era is one of the most influential periods in Iran's (Persia) history. It also marks the third rise of a great Persian empire, a dynasty that rivaled its predecessor, the Achaemenids who too, like the Sassanids were native to the province of Pars, and in some instances the Parthians, in glory and power. The Sassanid Empire met its demise this time not by the Byzantine Empire but by Muslim Arabs from its southern borders.
The history of brocaded silk weaving dates back to the time before the Sassanid dynasty. At that time this handicraft was exported to Europe and Rome. As far as proportionality and coordination of designs and color are concerned, the designs of the Sassanid cloth attained the utmost degree of artistic perfection. The Sassanid designs are mostly birds, animals, hunting ground and horsemen as well as some abstract designs. Some samples of silk materials from the beginning of the Islamic period and woven in Sassanid style are available now and can be found in private collections and in European churches. For example, the design of the face of Jesus Christ is found in Saint Victoria Church, and the piece of cloth on which the design of elephant is woven, is preserved in "Sceance" Cathedral.

پارچه ابريشمي با نقش سيمرغ، دوره ساساني