Stamp seal: standing noble holding a flower

Unknown

ca. 3rd–early 4th century CE · Sardonyx · Ancient Near Eastern Art

This oval seal stone is finely carved with the full-length image of a male figure of high rank; whether a prince or a nobleman is not clear, however, since it lacks an inscription. Singular full-length figures are rare on Sasanian seals. This one turns to look at a plant or blossom, simply drawn, held up in his right hand. He holds the hilt of his sword with the other hand. Two dots on the chest may indicate clasps for a cloak, though none is shown. His stance and dress are like those seen on male figures in early Sasanian rock reliefs. Sasanian seals are often made of semiprecious stones and royal ones are large in scale.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 3rd–early 4th century CE

Medium

Sardonyx

Culture

Sasanian

Department

Ancient Near Eastern Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1922