LOT 0190

Christian Rock Crystal Cross Stamp Seal Collection

7TH CENTURY A.D.

1/2 - 7/8 in. (17.88 grams total, 15-21 mm).

Comprising three conoid seals, each engraved with a Greek cross and pierced for suspension; one with a wreath border, the other two with Syriac inscriptions and letters, possibly 'hš’ hy’' (the living passion); accompanied by a custom-made display case and impressions. [3]

Important North West London collection.

Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no. 11778-204567.

See Lady Carnegie, H., Catalogue of the Collection of Antique Gems formed by James Ninth Earl of Southesk, London, 1908, Vol.2, 13, P29, pl.1; Delaporte, L., Musée du Louvre. Catalogue des cylinders, cachets et pierres gravées de style oriental, vols.1-2, Paris, 1920, 1923, Vol.I, D.284, pls.56-60; Boardman, J. and Scaribrick, D.,The Ralph Harari Collection of Finger Rings, London, 1977, 53, no.120; Lerner, J.A., Christian Seals of the Sasanian Period,Leiden, 1977; p.32 nos.6, pl.1,4; 7,8; Spier, J., Late Antique and Early Christian Gems, Wiesbaden, 2013, pls. 118-119.

The collection concerns a group of seals of distinctive style and mainly conoid shape, realised (according to Spier) by a workshop in Muslim Mesopotamia of 7th century, soon after the Arab conquest. Nearly all the seals of this category are made of rock crystal, are usually pierced for suspension and engraved with distinctive form of cross. The crosses are positioned inside a linear, cable or (like in our case) wreathed border (sometimes also under a recessed arch). They could be uninscribed or inscribed with Syriac dialect (Aramaic) or Arabic in Kufic inscription (sometimes also in Pahlavi).