A finely engraved Sasanian stamp seal formed from a beautiful chalcedony with natural brown striations. The seal features a large, smooth dome, perforated longitudinally for suspension, and a flat oval face at the base. The face has been carefully carved with a winged quadruped, likely a griffin. The creature is depicted striding left, with a large eye, upright, feathered wings, and a long, curving tail. Minor scratches to the surface. Chips to the top right of the flat face, around the perforation holes, and at the top of the dome. A. few hairline cracks extend from one perforation hole towards the dome. 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: L 1.9cm x W 1.4cm x H 1.8cm Provenance: Ex major SM., London, Collection 1970-2010.