Bactrian Miniature Leaded Bronze Stamp Seal with Figures
Central Asia, Bactria, possibly Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex, ca. 2300–1700 BCE. A miniature stamp seal cast in heavily leaded bronze, with up to 22.3% lead. It is shaped as a compact rectangular bar with softly rounded edges, and one end serves as the sealing face. That narrow face is cut in intaglio with what appear to be two standing figures side by side under a curving upper border, perhaps an arch or canopy. The figures are carved in deep recesses so they would print in raised relief when pressed into clay or wax. The long sides are smooth and plain, and a dark, glossy surface covers the whole piece. Seals like this were most likely personal marks of identity or authority, used to secure goods, containers, or documents. It is small enough to have been carried on the person. Size: 0.9" H x 0.5" L x 0.3" W (2.3 cm H x 1.3 cm L x 0.8 cm W).
Please note that this item contains up to 22.3% lead.
Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York, New York, USA, acquired 1970s to 2000s
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #159021
Condition
Encrustations to suspension hole inhibit wearability. Weathering to surface as shown. Liberal remaining detail.
Central Asia, Bactria, possibly Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex, ca. 2300–1700 BCE. A miniature stamp seal cast in heavily leaded bronze, with up to 22.3% lead. It is shaped as a compact rectangular bar with softly rounded edges, and one end serves as the sealing face. That narrow face is cut in intaglio with what appear to be two standing figures side by side under a curving upper border, perhaps an arch or canopy. The figures are carved in deep recesses so they would print in raised relief when pressed into clay or wax. The long sides are smooth and plain, and a dark, glossy surface covers the whole piece. Seals like this were most likely personal marks of identity or authority, used to secure goods, containers, or documents. It is small enough to have been carried on the person. Size: 0.9" H x 0.5" L x 0.3" W (2.3 cm H x 1.3 cm L x 0.8 cm W).
Please note that this item contains up to 22.3% lead.
Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York, New York, USA, acquired 1970s to 2000s
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #159021
Condition
Encrustations to suspension hole inhibit wearability. Weathering to surface as shown. Liberal remaining detail.
