Ancient Near East / Central Asia, Sassanian (Sasanian, Sassanid) Empire, ca. 3rd to 7th century CE. A finely preserved stamp seal bead carved from a fragment of yellow chalcedony bearing wavy hues of marigold, citrine, and wheat. The ovoid stamp seal features intricately incised, lobed bands arching across either side of the drilled suspension hole, and the surfaces are polished smooth. The stamp face bears the image of a feathered eagle - with raptorial talons and an aquiline beak - attacking a long-horned oryx as it desperately attempts to flee. Size: 0.9" L x 0.65" W x 0.7" H (2.3 cm x 1.7 cm x 1.8 cm)
Provenance: private Toronto, Ontario, Canada collection, by descent, acquired in Egypt in 1894 to 1896
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#167109
Condition
Very light abrasions to stamp face and minor nicks around suspension hole openings, otherwise intact and very good. Wonderful preservation to incised decorations on topside and stamp face.