Ancient Near East Seal Collection

Usage conditions apply

Stamp seal

  • Stamp seal
  • Stamp seal
  • Stamp seal
  • Stamp seal
  View right to left
Historical period(s)
Sasanian period, 224 - 651
Medium
Carnelian
Dimension(s)
H x W: 2.4 x 1.3 cm (15/16 x 1/2 in)
Origin
Iran
Credit Line
Gift of the Duncan M. Whittome Revocable Trust in memory of Ambassador and Mrs. James S. Moose, Jr.
Accession Number
F1993.18.20
Keyword(s)
carnelian, ellipsoid-shaped seal, Iran, man, robe, Sasanian Pahlavi script, Sasanian period (ca. 224 - 651), stamp seal
Label

A male bust is shown in right profile (in impression) on this ellipsoid seal. Fine lines are used to indicate a pointed, bearded face. A diadem separates parallel lines of hair from the crown and the pleats of a robe characterize the chest. A Pahlavi inscription is placed on the upper border above the head from 4 o'clock to 8 o'clock counterclockwise (in impression).

Inscription: 'pst'n wl y(z)d'n' / abestān ō yazdān
Translation: Refuge / Reliance in Gods

Translation provided by Touraj Daryaee and Kiarash Gholami

References:

Brunner, Christopher J. 1978. Sasanian Stamp Seals in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Published References
  • Antonietta Catanzariti. The Ancient Near East Seal Collection. Washington. .
SI Usage Statement

Usage conditions apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.