A Sasanian stamp seal finely carved from a beautiful deep red agate with purple striations. The seal features a large, smooth dome, perforated horizontally for suspension. The flat face of the seal has been carved with a recumbent quadruped, most likely a lion. The creature is rendered carefully with delicate incisions portraying the folded legs with sharp claws, long tail, intricately layered mane and large, circular eye. Minor wear consistent with age such as scratches and chips. 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 2.6cm x W 2cm x H 2.1cm Provenance: Ex major SM., London, Collection 1970-2010.