Description:

Ancient Near East / Central Asia, Sassanian (Sasanian / Sassanid) Empire, ca. 5th to 6th century CE. A gorgeous and wearable pendant made from a hammered sheet of 79% gold (equivalent to 18K+). The lunate pendant features an integral suspension loop above the crescent body, a cord-patterned exterior periphery, and a narrow central pin that suspends a carved carnelian stamp seal. The hemispherical stamp seal exudes warm vermilion hues and has a minimalist pseudo-glyph incised on the stamp face, perhaps representing the Zoroastrian deity Faravahar. Size (gold setting): 0.8" L x 0.9" W (2 cm x 2.3 cm); (seal): 0.375" L x 0.3" W (1 cm x 0.8 cm); (necklace strand): 22" L (55.9 cm); quality of gold: 79% (equivalent to 18K+); total weight: 2.3 grams.

Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, acquired before 2000

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#158826

  • Condition: Wearable as shown. Gold and carnelian components are ancient, and necklace strand is modern. Slight bending to overall form of pendant and pin, with minor abrasions to stamp seal, and small indentations to pendant, otherwise intact and very good. Great patina across gold components and nice preservation to incised details on stamp face.

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October 22, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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