A finely engraved Sasanian stamp seal formed from a beautiful black hardstone. The seal is hemispherical in shape, featuring a flat circular face at the base. This face has been carved with the depiction of a reclining zoomorphic figure in the shape of a canine or beast, with its head raised in a snarl. There are short incisions on its neck perhaps portraying raised hackles or fur. There is also framing detail above the animal that appears to be an arrow flying from the left. The dome of the seal is perforated horizontally for suspension. Seals were often made of stone however there are also examples rendered in bone, ivory, faience, glass, metal, wood, and even sun-dried or baked clay. In the ancient world, seals guaranteed the authenticity of marked ownership – as such, they were instrumental in legal transactions, and in the protection of goods against theft. Seal amulets with stylised animals have been found throughout Mesopotamia in contexts dating to the late fourth millennium BC, although stamp seals and cylinder seals were the predominant types in the ancient Near East. Measurements: (circa) L 1.6cm x H 1.6cm Provenance: Ex major SM., London, Collection 1970-2010. N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**