Large Sasanian Banded Agate Stamp Seal

Comprising a slender triangular blade with a raised midrib and a short rectangular-section pierced tang. 192 grams, 38.3 cm



Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.

The Luri people produced a quantity of fine metalwork, which according to Dr. Khorasani, could be due to a settled period which arose as a result of the defeat of the Elamites by the Babylonians, leaving the Luristani people in relative peace for a period of time after 1200 B.C. According to Khorasani, 'A culture of innovation and experimentation flourished, and the repertoire of the Luristan smiths expanded in the period between 1150–1050 BC.'

Modelled in the round standing figure wearing a floor-length robe; the head surmounted by a pillbox hat with thick shoulder-length hair to the rear, prominent triangular nose flanked by incised lentoid eyes, thick lips and a strong segmented bead; the arms bent forwards at the elbow to support a dish or patera; ellipsoid-section body and D-shaped flange for the feet; small lug to the underside; mounted on a custom-made stand. 540 grams total, 20.5 cm including stand



Moussaieff collection, Israel, formed from 1948. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13287-251143.

Formed as a domed disc with applied granules above and below. 0.35 grams, 10 mm



Ex private British collection, formed in the 1980s. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman.