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LOT 0048
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.
ProvenancePrivate English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s.
Private collection, London, UK.
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.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0048
Sasanian Carnelian Gemstone of a Fantastic Creature with Pahlavi Legend
Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
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Western Asiatic Lapis Lazuli Zoomorphic Amuletic Bead Group
1st millennium B.C. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £98
Comprising three stylised quadrupeds, likely representing lions with incised detailing and pierced through the body. 13.7 grams total, 17-20 mm
From the private collection of Mr S.M., London, Mayfair, acquired 1970s-1990s. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by an Ancient Art certificate of authenticity. -
Western Asiatic Banded Agate Cylinder Seal with Animals
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Frieze with bird with spread wings above two running animals, starburst and foliage; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.84 grams, 11.83 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Western Asiatic Zoomorphic Terracotta Rhyton
3rd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £650
With a flaring neck and zoomorphic spout, possibly a horse's head with a circular opening in its chest. 670 grams, 18 cm
with a London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s. Accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report no.281z11 from Oxford Authentication, 16 June 1981.
