Lot 63A
Near East, Byzantine Empire, ca. 11th to 13th century CE. A rare six-sided stone stamp seal intricately carved with both secular and sacred imagery. Each of the four rectangular sides presents a distinct motif: a crowned king in full regalia, a soldier rendered in rigid stance, a shield accompanied by a sword, and a raised rectangular field with a vertical gouge, perhaps intended for suspension or attachment. The two square ends carry scenes of profound symbolic weight. One depicts an ibex striding forward with an object clutched in its mouth, a fish hovering above its back - a composition whose meaning may have carried apotropaic or allegorical significance in Byzantine visual culture. The other square face portrays the Agnus Dei, or Lamb of God, a powerful Christian emblem referencing Christ as sacrificial redeemer, an image widely used across Byzantine art in manuscripts, mosaics, and seals. Size: 0.7" L x 0.6" W x 1.3" H (1.8 cm x 1.5 cm x 3.3 cm)
Functionally, seals of this type were pressed into wax or clay to mark ownership, authority, or devotion. The six-sided form offered both versatility and a layered statement of identity - worldly power in the king and soldier, martial strength in the shield and sword, and divine sanction in the Agnus Dei. The ibex and fish motif, though enigmatic, may reflect a regional or personal symbol tied to faith, fertility, or protection. An object at once administrative and devotional, this seal embodies the synthesis of imperial authority and Christian piety that defined the Byzantine worldview.
Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, acquired before 2000
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#196554
- Condition: Weathering to surface with a few minor nicks as shown, but, otherwise, intact and excellent with good remaining detail. Traces of red pigment in areas.
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| $5,000 + | $500 |