Dirham of Khusrau II, Darabjird c. 590 - 628

Editor: Here we have a silver Dirham of Khusrau II, minted in Darabjird. The craftsmanship is remarkable, even on such a small scale. What strikes you about its design? Curator: Notice the intricate concentric circles framing both the ruler's profile and the fire altar with attendants. The artist's choice to repeat these circular motifs emphasizes the coin's inherent form, lending a sense of completeness and self-containment. The relief is shallow, yet the details remain surprisingly crisp. Editor: So, the circularity is a key element in understanding its visual language? Curator: Precisely. It guides the eye, unifying the disparate elements and creating a harmonious, balanced composition. The weight distribution also seems remarkably even for a hand-struck object. What do you make of that? Editor: That’s something I hadn’t considered, but it adds another layer to the artistic intention. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: Indeed, it’s through this formal analysis that we appreciate the artistry embedded in even the most utilitarian objects.