Lot 82A
Ancient Near East/Central Asia, Sasanian (Sassanian/Sassanid) Empire, ca. 2nd to 7th century CE. A finely incised vermilion jasper cylinder seal depicting a dramatic scene of three hunters on horseback positioned equidistantly in pursuit of several stags with nicely delineated racks and running forms as well as two large birds with outspread wings. Three eight-pointed stars shine in the sky above the scene; these likely represent the Star of Ishtar or Star of Inanna. All of the iconography points to the identity of the person who first wore this seal, which is pierced vertically for suspension. The hunting scene would have associated the owner with the elite practice of hunting on horseback, while the star affiliated him with worship of the goddess associated with war, fertility, and sexuality. Size: 0.45" W x 1.05" H (1.1 cm x 2.7 cm)
Cylinder seals played a major role in the daily life of the Ancient Near East. Known as kishib in Sumerian and kunukku in Akkadian, royals, government officials, scribes, and slaves used them to transact business and send correspondence. They were worn around the neck or wrist and served as a signature and a guarantee, rolled into the moist clay of accounting and governance documents. They also link our modern world to the past - thousands of years ago, people were concerned with security and authenticity for the documents that they used to conduct business. Cylinder seals were a technological solution to a pressing problem, and their scenes are often complex to prevent forgery and identify individuals.
Provenance: private Zaveloff collection, Lakewood, New Jersey, USA, acquired from Venus Gallery, Israel, in 2002
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#155587
- Condition: Excellent condition with very light deposits in the lower profile areas. Very light wear commensurate with age. Accompanied by a modern clay rollout.
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