Sasanian Carnelian Ancient Sasanian Carnelian Stamp Seal Depicting a Scorpion
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 300 - € 380
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Ancient Sasanian carnelian stamp seal depicting a scorpion, dating to circa 4th–6th century AD, with a weight of 3.0 g and a transverse suspension hole.
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Description from the seller
Ancient Sasanian Carnelian Stamp Seal Depicting a Scorpion
Sasanian Empire, circa 4th–6th century AD
Material: Carnelian
Weight: 3.0 g
Dimensions: 16.8 × 11.4 × 12.4 mm
A highly attractive Sasanian carnelian stamp seal, finely engraved with the stylised representation of a scorpion, one of the most fascinating animal motifs encountered within the glyptic tradition of Late Antique Persia.
The seal is fashioned from a beautiful translucent orange-red carnelian, displaying an especially vivid colour when illuminated. A naturally darker area within the stone creates additional visual character and emphasizes the individuality of the gemstone.
The engraved face depicts a scorpion in the characteristic highly stylised manner of Sasanian glyptic art. Its segmented body, projecting legs and claws and distinctive tail are rendered through a carefully arranged series of incised lines. Despite the remarkably small dimensions of the seal, the ancient engraver succeeded in creating an immediately recognisable and highly expressive image.
A personal seal from the Sasanian world:
During the Sasanian period, engraved gemstone seals formed an important part of both administrative and private life. They could be impressed into clay to authenticate documents, containers and other possessions, effectively functioning as the personal signature and identifying symbol of their owner.
The present example is horizontally pierced completely through the body of the stone. This allowed the seal to be carried on a cord or suspension element, keeping this highly personal object close to its owner and immediately available when required.
Comparable ellipsoid Sasanian stamp seals with animal engravings and transverse suspension holes are preserved in major museum collections. Particularly significant are documented Sasanian examples depicting the scorpion itself, confirming the motif as part of the established Sasanian seal repertoire.
The symbolism of the scorpion:
The choice of a scorpion was unlikely to have been merely decorative.
Animals appearing on Sasanian seals belonged to a rich symbolic world influenced by Iranian religious traditions, popular beliefs and personal imagery. The scorpion is especially intriguing because of its naturally powerful associations with danger, protection and supernatural forces.
Its appearance on a personal seal may therefore have carried an additional symbolic or apotropaic significance for its ancient owner, beyond the purely practical function of the object. The combination of an engraved gemstone, a highly distinctive creature and a suspension hole makes such a seal an exceptionally intimate survival from antiquity.
A miniature work of Sasanian glyptic art:
What makes this object particularly appealing is the combination of its vivid carnelian, recognisable scorpion engraving and wearable form.
Unlike a purely decorative gemstone, this was a functional object that could accompany its owner in everyday life. Approximately 1,500 years ago, the engraved surface could have been pressed into soft clay, leaving behind the negative image of the scorpion as the owner's individual mark.
Today, the seal retains its ancient form, transverse perforation and clearly visible engraved design. Minor traces of ancient wear and deposits contribute to its authentic archaeological character, while the strong orange-red translucency of the carnelian makes it particularly attractive when viewed against light.
A beautiful and highly evocative example of Sasanian glyptic art, combining ancient craftsmanship, personal identity and the powerful symbolism of the scorpion in a single miniature object.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Ancient Sasanian Carnelian Stamp Seal Depicting a Scorpion
Sasanian Empire, circa 4th–6th century AD
Material: Carnelian
Weight: 3.0 g
Dimensions: 16.8 × 11.4 × 12.4 mm
A highly attractive Sasanian carnelian stamp seal, finely engraved with the stylised representation of a scorpion, one of the most fascinating animal motifs encountered within the glyptic tradition of Late Antique Persia.
The seal is fashioned from a beautiful translucent orange-red carnelian, displaying an especially vivid colour when illuminated. A naturally darker area within the stone creates additional visual character and emphasizes the individuality of the gemstone.
The engraved face depicts a scorpion in the characteristic highly stylised manner of Sasanian glyptic art. Its segmented body, projecting legs and claws and distinctive tail are rendered through a carefully arranged series of incised lines. Despite the remarkably small dimensions of the seal, the ancient engraver succeeded in creating an immediately recognisable and highly expressive image.
A personal seal from the Sasanian world:
During the Sasanian period, engraved gemstone seals formed an important part of both administrative and private life. They could be impressed into clay to authenticate documents, containers and other possessions, effectively functioning as the personal signature and identifying symbol of their owner.
The present example is horizontally pierced completely through the body of the stone. This allowed the seal to be carried on a cord or suspension element, keeping this highly personal object close to its owner and immediately available when required.
Comparable ellipsoid Sasanian stamp seals with animal engravings and transverse suspension holes are preserved in major museum collections. Particularly significant are documented Sasanian examples depicting the scorpion itself, confirming the motif as part of the established Sasanian seal repertoire.
The symbolism of the scorpion:
The choice of a scorpion was unlikely to have been merely decorative.
Animals appearing on Sasanian seals belonged to a rich symbolic world influenced by Iranian religious traditions, popular beliefs and personal imagery. The scorpion is especially intriguing because of its naturally powerful associations with danger, protection and supernatural forces.
Its appearance on a personal seal may therefore have carried an additional symbolic or apotropaic significance for its ancient owner, beyond the purely practical function of the object. The combination of an engraved gemstone, a highly distinctive creature and a suspension hole makes such a seal an exceptionally intimate survival from antiquity.
A miniature work of Sasanian glyptic art:
What makes this object particularly appealing is the combination of its vivid carnelian, recognisable scorpion engraving and wearable form.
Unlike a purely decorative gemstone, this was a functional object that could accompany its owner in everyday life. Approximately 1,500 years ago, the engraved surface could have been pressed into soft clay, leaving behind the negative image of the scorpion as the owner's individual mark.
Today, the seal retains its ancient form, transverse perforation and clearly visible engraved design. Minor traces of ancient wear and deposits contribute to its authentic archaeological character, while the strong orange-red translucency of the carnelian makes it particularly attractive when viewed against light.
A beautiful and highly evocative example of Sasanian glyptic art, combining ancient craftsmanship, personal identity and the powerful symbolism of the scorpion in a single miniature object.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Sasanian
Century/timeframe
circa 4th–6th century AD
Name of object
Ancient Sasanian Carnelian Stamp Seal Depicting a Scorpion
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Carnelian
Country acquired from
Austria
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Austria
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
