A finely hand-carved Sasanian chalcedony stamp seal bead shaped in a classic dome/ellipsoid form. The body is sculpted from a highly translucent, milky-white chalcedony stone, a durable microcrystalline quartz variety heavily prized by ancient Near Eastern lapidaries. A clean, central perforation runs horizontally through the upper body, allowing the piece to be worn securely as a protective talisman or personal administrative tool.

The flat underside features a shallow, masterfully engraved intaglio motif depicting a stylized stallion/horse in profile. In Sasanian glyptic art and Zoroastrian tradition, the stallion was a major emblem of aristocratic status, military nobility (Savaran), and divine protection. Designed for administrative security and trade authentication, this seal would leave a crisp, three-dimensional impression when stamped into soft sealing clay or wax.

• Culture/Period: Sasanian Empire (ca. 3rd–7th Century CE)

• Material: Translucent milky-white chalcedony

• Object Type: Ellipsoid stamp seal bead with a transverse suspension hole

• Dimensions: 1.4 x 1.2 cm (0.55 x 0.47 inches)

• Condition: Excellent preservation; smooth polished surface with minor signs of ancient wear consistent with age. Smooth, cleanly drilled perforation.

Price € 140,—