Sasanian Stone Seal Bead Winged Man Bull

**Originally Listed At $600**

Ancient Near East/Central Asia, Sasanian (Sassanian/Sassanid) Empire, ca. 2nd to 7th century CE. A large, creamy white quartzite stamp seal bead with a flat, ovoid face and a domed body pierced through for suspension. The flat face is engraved with a human-headed bull, seated with its legs underneath its body and its wings raised. Elongated beads border the face. The style of engraving is known as "scratch", in which the figure is rendered with parallel lines. The winged, human-headed bull symbol is an ancient one, serving as a protector in Assyrian palaces and Persepolis. It serves a similar protective function here. The stone itself on this example is particularly beautiful. Size: 0.75" W x 0.45" H (1.9 cm x 1.1 cm); 2.145" H (5.4 cm) on included custom stand.

See a very similar seal at the Smithsonian (F1993.15.18).

Provenance: private Zaveloff collection, Lakewood, New Jersey, USA, acquired before 2004

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.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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#151416
Condition Report: Lovely condition with some small chips on surface. Motifs are very well preserved. Light deposits on lower profile areas. Accompanied by a modern clay roll out.