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
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
Keyword(s)
agate, ellipsoid-shaped seal, hand, Iran, Sasanian Pahlavi script, Sasanian period (ca. 224 - 651), stamp seal
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.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The National Museum of Asian Art welcomes information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections..