Sasanian Agate Stamp Seal with Stylized Animal

Culture: Sasanian

Period: 4th-6th century A.D.

Material: Agate

Dimensions: 1.9 cm long

Price: Sold

Ref: 6478

Provenance: From the German collection Gustav Oberländer (1926-2012).

Condition: Ancient traces of wear and a small chip on the top.

Description: Ring-shaped Sasanian seal of pure agate with a flattened side, on which a stylized animal is incised. The animal with the body of an amphibian, open mouth, long legs with claws and on the front high raised ears or horns. The outside is finely polished. In ancient times seals guaranteed the authenticity of labelled properties. As such, they served for legal transactions and protected good from theft. Usually, these seals were worn around the neck or on a belt, where they always were handy. The engraving of stylized animals and the round form are typical characteristics of Sasanian seals. Pierced horizontally for suspension. An interesting, rare depiction of an animal.