Near East, Sassanian Empire, ca. 500 CE. A collection of four stone seals, all pierced for suspension. The largest is a near-translucent stone with an incised motif of a crescent moon and crossed swords. Another is a dark green stone with an abstract incised motif. The marbled pale yellow and brown stone has an incised motif of a large insect. Finally, the bright red carnelian stone has a flying bird incised and, unusually, the rest of the body has been carved into smooth circles in relief. Size of largest: 0.6" W (1.5 cm)

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: Ex-Private San Fransisco, CA collection

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#120061

All four have expected signs of wear and use, especially around the perforations made for suspension. The green one has a large loss to one side but its stamp face is not impacted.