Western Asiatic Dark Brown hardstone Stamp with Winged Quadruped (No reserve price)






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Western Asiatic stamp seal made of dark brown hardstone, hemispherical with a flat oval base face engraved with a recumbent winged quadruped (possibly a Pegasus), perforated along the dome for suspension; circa 1st millennium BC, good condition, provenance Ex major SM, London, Collection 1970–2010.
Description from the seller
A finely engraved Western Asiatic stamp seal formed from a dark brown hardstone. The seal is hemispherical in shape with a flat oval face at the base. This face has been carved with the image of a recumbent, winged quadruped, possibly a pegasus. The anatomical features have been carefully engraved, including the narrow leg with well-defined hooves, short tail, and unfurling wings. The dome of the seal is perforated longitudinally for suspension. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as minor surface pitting and scratches.
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) H 1.5cm x W 1.8cm
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.**
Seller's Story
A finely engraved Western Asiatic stamp seal formed from a dark brown hardstone. The seal is hemispherical in shape with a flat oval face at the base. This face has been carved with the image of a recumbent, winged quadruped, possibly a pegasus. The anatomical features have been carefully engraved, including the narrow leg with well-defined hooves, short tail, and unfurling wings. The dome of the seal is perforated longitudinally for suspension. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as minor surface pitting and scratches.
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) H 1.5cm x W 1.8cm
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.**
Seller's Story
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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.
