Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Near East, Sassanian Empire, ca. 500 CE. Carved from a dark brown and olive green, semi-translucent, banded stone, the base incised with a lifelike standing ibex design, with a star and crescent moon. Hand-polished and pierced for suspensio, would have been used as a stamp for a seal. Size: 0.85" W x 0.75" H (2.2 cm x 1.9 cm)

This is quite a beautiful piece, recalling a prominent and influential kingdom that had great influence throughout the Old World after the fall of Rome. Seals bearing animal designs -- ibexes like this one, birds, stags, and lagomorphs -- are among the most enduring symbols.

Provenance: Ex-Private San Fransisco, CA collection

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#120057

  • Condition: Stone shows shiny patina. Seal imagery is excellent.

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February 27, 2017 9:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000