Stamp seal (scaraboid) with deity (?)
This stamp seal is made of banded brown and white agate. The image, as shown in the modern impression, shows a figure seated on a high-backed chair holding a bowl. The figure wears a long robe and appears to be beardless, suggesting this is a rare image of a Persian woman. An object in front of her may be an incense burner, fire altar or table.
Drinking scenes appear on a handful of Achaemenid seals and seal impressions. Their appeal likely derives from the high status they imply, since elite Persians would be invited to dine with the king. The figure on this seal sits in high-backed chair that closely resembles the Persian king’s throne as depicted on the Apadana at Persepolis, further insinuating a royal connection.
Drinking scenes appear on a handful of Achaemenid seals and seal impressions. Their appeal likely derives from the high status they imply, since elite Persians would be invited to dine with the king. The figure on this seal sits in high-backed chair that closely resembles the Persian king’s throne as depicted on the Apadana at Persepolis, further insinuating a royal connection.
Artwork Details
- Title: Stamp seal (scaraboid) with deity (?)
- Period: Achaemenid
- Date: ca. 6th–4th century BCE
- Geography: Iran or Mesopotamia
- Culture: Achaemenid
- Medium: Flawed brown and white eyestone Agate (Quartz)
- Dimensions: Seal Face: 1.93 x 2.13 cm
Height: 1.07 cm
String Hole: 0.28 - Credit Line: Bequest of W. Gedney Beatty, 1941
- Object Number: 41.160.198
- Curatorial Department: Ancient West Asian Art
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ca. early 1st millennium BCE
ca. 358–338 BCE
ca. 8th century BCE
ca. 9th century BCE
ca. 9th century BCE
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