Ancient Central Asia, Bactria, ca. 2000 to 1700 BCE. A discoid stamp seal carved from light gray steatite with darker traces on the verso from where a handle was present at one time. Inscribed on the stamp face is a right-facing image of a lion standing upon slender legs while its gaping jaws, hunched back, and upturned tail indicate a defensive stance. Vegetation surrounds the creature as if hunting deep within the brush. Size: 2.2" Diameter (5.6 cm)

Provenance: private Southern California collection, USA, bestowed 2006; ex-J. Malter collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired before 2006

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#161151

Loss to handle on verso as shown. Minor abrasions to stamp face and verso. Great preservation to incised details on stamp face.