Ancient Near East, Sassanian (also Sasanian, Sassanid) Empire, ca. 2nd to 5th century CE. A fine gathering of 4 hand-carved stone stamp seals from the ancient Sassanian Empire. First is a miniature carnelian seal showing a left-facing figure who stands with extended arms. Next is a grapefruit-hued agate seal of rounded form with a stylized scorpion incised on the stamp face. Third is a dark, lustrous stone with a left-facing feline creature on the stamp face. The largest is a white banded agate seal with a left-facing ibex or antelope on the bottom. Each of the larger stamp seals has a suspension hole drilled through the body. Size of largest (white stone w/ scorpion): 0.81" L x 0.68" W x 0.65" H (2.1 cm x 1.7 cm x 1.7 cm)

Provenance: ex-Stein collection, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA, acquired prior to 2010

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#168976

Repair to largest stamp seal across midsection, with small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines; remaining 3 pieces are intact and very good. Nice preservation to incised decorations on each stamp face.