Exchanging gifts was an ancient royal practice, one meant to establish good relationships between neighbors and to maintain control over vassal states. Silver vessels with images of kings or royal hunting scenes were often sent to regional princes or neighboring rulers as diplomatic gifts. Such objects have been found in Central Asian paintings, in European treasuries, and in recently excavated tombs in China. In return, the Sasanians received luxury goods as gifts and trade items, and in the process they created a complex network of artistic and diplomatic exchange.
Bringing gifts to the king from different regions of the empire was an ancient ritual in Iran. Rock reliefs at Persepolis show vessels being brought to the ruler as tribute.
Tribute Bearer; Iran, Persepolis, Apadana; Photographic glass plate negative; Ernst Herzfeld Papers, FǀS Archives FSA A.6 04.GN.0993