Choose Category:

Home > Auctions > Starting 4th June 2024 > Sassanian Onyx Seal with Two Horses and Riders

Print page | Email lot to a friend

Back to previous page


Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Gallery loading...

LOT 0242

Estimate
GBP (£) 2,000 - 3,000
EUR (€) 2,310 - 3,470
USD ($) 2,680 - 4,020

SASSANIAN ONYX SEAL WITH TWO HORSES AND RIDERS
4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (16.37 grams, 24 mm).

Plano-convex seal with intaglio image of two horsemen face-to-face with a segmented arch between them; probably the Sassanian equivalent of the Diskouroi; supplied with a museum-quality impression.

PROVENANCE:
Acquired between 1980-1983.
From the 'Empire' collection, an important UK private collection of seals, no.10.

Accompanied by a copy of an old typed cataloguing page signed by A D H Bivar.

LITERATURE:
A similar image of two horsemen also appears on a Sassanian silver-gilt dish now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (accession no.63.152). Alternatively, the image may be of an investiture scene, as shown in the sculpture of Naqsh-i Rustam. Cf. BM Stamp Seals II, reference BL6.

CONDITION
VETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.