Sasanian Carnelian Gemstone of a Fantastic Creature with Pahlavi Legend

4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.

3/8 in. (0.32 grams, 10 mm).

Plano-convex in section with advancing winged and horned beast, Pahlavi legend to the border; supplied with a museum-quality impression.

Provenance

Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s.
Private collection, London, UK.

Footnotes

Fanciful combinations of various human and animal heads, sometimes with the addition of other elements, are generally called grylloi. These fantastic devices were more than mere artists' fancies and were worn by the ancient Romans and others for their supposed efficacy in averting the evil eye.

CONDITION

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LOT 0022