Near East, Sassanian Empire, ca. 500 CE. A wonderful collection of eighteen carved stone beads with incised designs, in hues of brown, emerald, citrine, topaz, white, gray, and brown, all perforated for suspension. Three have abstract motifs on ovoid faces, two have depictions of standing human figures, and thirteen have depictions of various animals, including birds, horses, antelopes, and bulls. Size: 8.5" L (21.6 cm); size of largest seal: 0.625" W (1.6 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: private San Francisco, California, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#123263

All seals have minor nicks, losses, and fading to incised designs. Strung in modern times but not recommended for wearing.