AN EXTREMELY RARE & IMPORTANT ANCIENT ROYAL SASANIAN EMPIRE PORTRAIT SEAL INTAGLIO, CIRCA 3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.With the bust of the Royal Profile, facing Left, The oval carbuncle finely carved with the profile bust of a man of high status OR Probably King Nerse, with typical long curly beard, the hair arranged in plaits, wearing a beaded pendant earring and a dress with two round brooches... Although the man depicted on this seal is not wearing the typical domed headdress, kulaf, symbol of Sasanian Kings, both the outstanding quality of the carving on the gem are indicators of high status and, undoubtedly, wealth. For a similar seal, although of inferior quality, showing a profile bust with the same hair style with parallel locks at the back and inscription around the edge, cf. C.J. Brunner, Sasanian Stamp Seals in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1978, p.53, pl.11.

EXTREMELY FINE, INTACT. Of Finest Quality