Sassanian chalcedony seal of a noblewoman Iran, 4th-6th century AD

A Sassanian chalcedony annular stamp seal engraved with a noblewoman.

Iran, 4th-6th century AD.

Measures 2.5 x 2.1 x 1.6cm.

The seal is engraved with the bust of a noblewoman facing dexter and surrounded by a Pahlavi inscription.

The seal, along with its impression is mounted on a piece of card that bears the inscription (translated from French):

‘MS I033 - Ellipsoidal Stamp in pearl grey agate (25 x 2I × I6) engraved with a female bust with bare breasts, necklace and earrings and hairstyle in tiara with long mats - Long pehélévi inscription around and under the bust (very rare). SASSANIDE - IV°- V° century.’

And to the reverse:

‘(Ref: "Western Asiatic Seals in the British Museum" de BIVAR. I469, pl. 3 et 4 N° AFI et BA3).’

Provenance: Private French Collection.

Similar examples can be found in the collection of the British Museum, Registration numbers: 1864,0827.3, 1967,0220.255, 1967,0220.478 and 1874,0305.60.