**Originally Listed At $300**

Ancient Near East / Central Asia, Sasanian (Sassanian / Sassanid) Empire, ca. 224 to 651 CE. A fine carved hematite stamp seal of a deep grey hue in the form of a half-sphere with an O-type impression. A horizontal hole is drilled vertically through the body, allowing it to be suspended on a necklace or bracelet. The stamp's face displays a detailed depiction of a griffin standing left surrounded by a dashed border. The griffin, half eagle and half lion, was a fierce symbol of divine power. The symbol was also long lasting - we know of examples from ancient Iran and Egypt that are from ca. 3000 BCE - and the animal continued to appear in classically-inspired art into the early modern period. Comes on a custom stand that includes a clay stamp of the seal motif. Size: 0.625" in diameter (1.6 cm); 2.5" H (6.4 cm) on included custom stand.

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: private Zaveloff collection, Lakewood, New Jersey, USA, acquired from Venus Gallery, Israel, in 2002

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#155643

Some minute chips on body and periphery of face. Otherwise, intact and excellent with light earthen deposits in recessed areas and impressive remaining detail