Lot 57
**Originally Listed At $350**
Near Eastern, Iron Age, ca. 6th to 4th century BCE, A fine pair of carved stone stamp seal beads, each presenting a distinct iconographic motif deeply linked to Iron Age Near Eastern ritual and symbolism. The first, carved from translucent quartz, is of domed form with a flat base finely incised with the image of a recumbent quadruped, possibly a bovine or caprid. Such imagery often conveyed fertility, strength, and divine favor, reflecting the pastoral lifeways central to Near Eastern society. The second, of darker stone, is lentoid in profile and engraved with a standing anthropomorphic figure, distinguished by a horned headdress or crown and holding a staff. This commanding posture suggests a ruler, deity, or priestly figure, emphasizing themes of divine authority and sacred kingship. Size of larger (quartz): 1" L x 0.8" W x 1.1" H (2.5 cm x 2 cm x 2.8 cm)
Both seals retain perforations for suspension, attesting to their dual role as personal adornments and functional tools for impressing clay. Their imagery and craftsmanship reflect the artistic and symbolic vocabulary of the Iron Age Near East, a period marked by cultural exchange, political consolidation, and religious expression.
Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, acquired before 2000
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#196562
- Condition: A few chips to quartz bead and both have light surface wear, commensurate with age. Otherwise, both are intact and very nice with clear imagery. Wearable as beads or pendants.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping
Artemis Fine Arts
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 + | $500 |