Near East, Sasanian, ca. 4th century CE. An exquisite gold (70% gold, equivalent to 15K+) Sasanian (also spelled Sassanian) ring, with a stylish shank featuring granules joining the bezel to the shank on one side, the high oval bezel housing a deep wine red glass intaglio carved with a sphinx-like mythical creature. Near Eastern art was immersed in the realm of fantasy, depicting not only sphinxes but also centaurs, birds with zoomorphic heads, and animals with scorpion bodies. Sasanian art also demonstrated a fascinating fusion of Near Eastern as well as Greco-Roman influences and included fine luxury arts created from precious metals and jewels. US ring size 7.25. Size: intaglio measures .5" W x .375" H (1.3 cm x 1 cm); shank .875" in diameter (2.2 cm); total weight: 7.5 grams; precious metal quality: 70% gold, equivalent to 15K+
The Sasanian Empire (also called Sassanid, Sasanid, or Sassanian) is generally regarded as the highlight of ancient Iranian civilization and was the final pre-Islamic empire of Persia. It was established by Ardeshir I, the son of Papak and descendant of Sasan, in 224 CE. This empire came to an end in 651 CE. The Sasanians thought of themselves as the rightful successors to the Achaemenid Persians.
Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired before 2000.
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#145342
Condition
Minute scuffs to intaglio. Slight indentations to bezel and shank. Otherwise excellent.