Antiquities, Islamic, and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art: Featuring Selections from the Dr. Mohammed Said Farsi Collection
Lot 55:
This ancient Babylonian cylindrical seal, carved from serpentine stone, dates back to the 2nd millennium B.C. The seal features a double register of intricate scenes, likely depicting religious or ceremonial imagery typical of Babylonian art and culture. Each register is filled with finely detailed figures, possibly representing deities, priests, or worshippers, arranged in a continuous narrative that unfolds as the seal is rolled over a soft surface like clay.
The accompanying clay impression shows the seal’s detailed carvings in sharp relief, bringing the ancient narrative to life. The serpentine stone, with its dark, mottled appearance, provides a striking contrast to the orange clay impression, highlighting the artistry and craftsmanship of the Babylonian seal makers.
Seals like this were used to authenticate documents, secure goods, or mark property, making them vital tools in the administrative and commercial life of ancient Mesopotamia. The double register design suggests this seal may have belonged to a person of significant status, as more elaborate seals were often associated with higher ranks or special functions.
H: 5cm
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