Ancient Near East/Central Asia, Sasanian (Sassanian/Sassanid) Empire, ca. 2nd to 7th century CE. A large, creamy white quartzite stamp seal bead with a flat, ovoid face and a domed body pierced through for suspension. The flat face is engraved with a human-headed bull, seated with its legs underneath its body and its wings raised. Elongated beads border the face. The style of engraving is known as "scratch", in which the figure is rendered with parallel lines. The winged, human-headed bull symbol is an ancient one, serving as a protector in Assyrian palaces and Persepolis. It serves a similar protective function here. The stone itself on this example is particularly beautiful. Size: 0.75" W x 0.45" H (1.9 cm x 1.1 cm); 2.145" H (5.4 cm) on included custom stand.

See a very similar seal at the Smithsonian (F1993.15.18).

Provenance: private Zaveloff collection, Lakewood, New Jersey, USA, acquired before 2004

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#151416

Lovely condition with some small chips on surface. Motifs are very well preserved. Light deposits on lower profile areas. Accompanied by a modern clay roll out.