- Historical period(s)
- Sasanian period, 224 - 651
- Medium
- Agate
- Dimension(s)
- H x W: 2 x 1.3 cm (13/16 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
- F1993.18.23
- Label
-
Engraved on this ellipsoid-shaped stamp seal is a left human hand motif with thumb and forefinger joined, terminating in a cuff-like base within a pair of ribbons. At 3 o'clock is a crescent moon and at 9 o'clock is a six-pointed star (in impression). Around the seal, from 3 to 9 o'clock counterclockwise (in impression), is a Pahlavi inscription. An open hand, with the thumb and forefinger either touching each other or holding a tulip, is seen as an auspicious gesture expressing greeting or invocation.
Inscription: 'št't / aštād
Translation: Aštād (Goddess Rectitude; cal. 27th day)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.