Near East, Sasanian Empire (also Sassanian, Sassanid), ca. 2nd to 7th century CE. A fabulous agate stamp seal bead featuring the incised image of a standing griffin facing right. 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. Size of seal bead: 0.6" L x 1" W x 0.7" H (1.5 cm x 2.5 cm x 1.8 cm); of Riker box: 3.2" L x 1" W x 2.6" H (8.1 cm x 2.5 cm x 6.6 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: ex-private Pasadena, California, USA collection before 2004

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#180885

Some small nicks to bead, but none on stamp face and all commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable as a bead with nice preservation of detail. Copper pigment added in modern times.