Sasanian Carnelian Intaglio of a Winged Ibex

Near East, Persia, Sasanian Empire. A domed intaglio of translucent carnelian. The face swells in a gentle convex curve, and its warm red-orange body glows when light passes through it. Cut into the polished surface is a winged ibex striding to the left. Its long horns sweep back in a curve, a feathered wing rises from the shoulder, and the tail flicks upward in a jaunty answer to the horns. The engraver used drill and wheel economically. Deep, rounded hollows model the haunches and chest, and fine linear strokes describe the feathers, so the animal reads clearly in an impression. Stones like this were cut as personal seals. A seal was pressed into clay or wax to authenticate documents and secure goods, and it could also be worn, likely doing double duty as an amulet and a mark of identity. Under the Sasanian kings of Persia, stamp seals were used across administrative, commercial, and private life. Thousands of clay bullae survive that still carry the impressions of seals like this one. Carnelian was among the most popular stones for these seals. Domed and ellipsoid ring stones were standard Sasanian shapes for the period. The ibex was one of the most common animal motifs in the Sasanian seal repertoire. Adding wings moves the animal from the natural world into the symbolic one. Winged creatures in Sasanian art are often read as emblems of farr (xvarenah), the divine glory and good fortune that Zoroastrian tradition believed gave legitimacy to kings and brought prosperity to their subjects. That reading is widely proposed, though not universal. To an owner, the image may have stood for luck and protection as much as for personal identity. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. Item # 205532

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