Ancient Bactrian Lapis Stamp Seal Bead w/ Horse

Central Asia, Bactria, ca. 2nd to 1st millennium BCE. A pretty disc shaped lapis seal bead with a motif etched into the flat face. The disc is pierced for suspension through the center. The incised pattern features a trotting horse with a star or sun symbol overhead. The lapis stone itself is quite striking, presenting natural cobalt and mottled white hues and glimmering flacks of pyrite. The allure of the stone is quite evident and makes this a special example of ancient artistry. Size: 1" Diameter (2.5 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection, acquired 1990s; ex-private New York, USA collection, acquired from Gray's Antiques, London, UK

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#165748
Condition Report: Minor age expected surface wear with scratches and nicks. Motif is soft but visible. Beautiful natural stone inclusions. Pierced for suspension.