Ancient Near East / Central Asia, Sasanian (Sassanian / Sassanid) Empire, ca. 224 to 651 CE. A finely carved stone O-type stamp seal of a deep brown, almost black hue that doubled as both a stamp and bead. A perforation is hand drilled through the center for suspension as a necklace or bracelet. The face is carved with an unusual shape that may be a pinecone with part of the needle branch at the top- when the bead is vertical this motif is apparent. On the opposite side of the perforation is an incised diamond shape. Included is a putty stamp of the seal motif. Size: 0.75" L x 0.5" W (1.9 cm x 1.3 cm); 2.5" H (6.4 cm) on included custom stand.

The pinecone was a popular motif in early Islamic art, the stylized form became known as the "boteh" which is commonly known today as the paisley design. These cones came from cedars, a symbolic tree of strength in the Sassanid dynasty and Islamic culture to this day!

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

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#166490

Light softening of detail on engraving and minor abrasions to bead. Otherwise, intact and excellent.