Ancient Near East, Sassanian (Sassanid) Empire, ca. 500 CE. A translucent crystal seal, perforated vertically for suspension, disc-shaped aside from one flattened face which depicts an incised, seated griffin. The level of detail on the griffin is fantastic, with clear lines giving feathers to the wings and facial features. 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: 0.6" W x 0.4" H (1.5 cm x 1 cm); 1.3" H (3.3 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 Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000

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#126262

Wear around perforation edges. Excellent remaining incised detail.