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LOT 1801
Sasanian Banded Agate Stamp Seal with Sphinx
3RD-7TH CENTURY A.D.
3/8 in. (1.57 grams, 11 mm).
D-shaped in profile with incuse image of a sphinx; supplied with a museum-quality impression. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1801
Sasanian Banded Agate Stamp Seal with Sphinx
Estimate £40 - 60€46 - 70 (for guidance only)$54 - 81 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
-
Western Asiatic Black Stone Fish Pendant
1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Plano-convex in section and lozengiform in plan with incised ring-and-dot eyes, chevron nose, dorsal panel. 15.5 grams, 49 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Western Asiatic Grey Marble Stone Stamp Seal with Bird and Ibex
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £60 - 80 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Discoid in plan with knop handle, incuse ibex resting with a bird perched on its rump; chipped; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.63 grams, 16 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Exceptional Western Asiatic Banded Agate Bead with Gold Caps
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Discoid in plan and pierced transversely with D-shaped gold caps at each end; mounted on a custom-made stand. 88 grams total, 84 mm wide including stand
Private collection, acquired on the UK art market, 2000. Private collection, Switzerland. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12877-241681.
The Sumerians used agate for beads and even for making ceremonial axe-heads. The engraving of agate, especially to produce cameos and intaglios, is an art which was principally cultivated by the Greeks and the Romans. In addition to the artistic excellence of the engravings, many of the early works show great skill in using the different colourings of the agate for decorating the figures.
