Description:

Near East, Sassanian Empire, ca. 500 CE. A collection of four deep red carnelian stones, all perforated for suspension. Three have incised motifs and one has a smooth ovoid face that seems ready-made to have a design added but never did. This said, it shows signs of wear; perhaps it was carried as a back up. The three with motifs are rounder and smaller. One is a bull, another a stag with magnificent horns, and the third is a flame. Size of largest: 0.75" L x 0.25" W (1.9 cm x 0.6 cm)

Seals bearing animal and other personal designs are one of the most enduring symbols of the Sassanian Empire, which was a prominent and influential kingdom that had great influence throughout the Old World after the fall of Rome.

Provenance: Ex-Private San Fransisco, CA collection

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#120060

  • Condition: All four have expected age wear, especially around the perforations made for suspension. One of the smaller ones has a chip to the top of the incised motif.

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March 2, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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