**Originally Listed At $500**

Central Asia, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A collection of six fantastic and striking silver seal rings - all wearable, if you want to make a statement! The largest has niello decoration around its silver body, studded with four blue glass beads. The seal face is red carnelian, inscribed with a written symbol. Two are of similar form, with red carnelian seals covered in written characters, one ovoid, and one square, both inlaid on tall towers of silver; the rings have thick bands. Another has a large blue paste glass oval with what looks like a horse motif on the seal and a lightly incised floral motif on the shoulders. The last two are completely silver, with seals covered in dense written characters incised onto their silver faces. One of these has two round faces on either side of a very narrow opening in the band. Size of largest: 1.6" W x 1.65" H (4.1 cm x 4.2 cm).

Rings are US sizes: 10.25, 67.1 grams (square seal); 8.5, 33.6 grams (double seal); 10.75, 65.9 grams (red oval); 7.5, 30.3 grams (round blue); 5.75, 11.7 grams (silver); 8, 48.8 grams (large round red). Rings bearing stamp seals are part of a long tradition in Central Asia, traceable back at least as early as the Sassanians. These were made to be worn by important members of society, and speak to a society that valued displays of wealth. Imagine wearing a ring like this to conduct your important business!

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.

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#125968

The one with the blue face has the seal worn away; otherwise all have seals that are in nice condition, with only a few small scratches. Silver has patina on surface.