编号 100177426

中世纪早期 金属 戒指 - 风格化的密封圈 (没有保留价)
编号 100177426

中世纪早期 金属 戒指 - 风格化的密封圈 (没有保留价)
An Early Medieval Metal Seal Ring with Stylised Arabic Inscription, Possibly Associated with a High-Status Military or Administrative Figure, Signet Type
An Early Medieval metal seal ring featuring an oval bezel engraved with a highly stylised inscription derived from Arabic script. The inscription is rendered in an abstracted and interwoven calligraphic manner, characteristic of personal signet rings used by individuals of authority, where symbolic presence and exclusivity outweighed immediate legibility.
The form and execution of the inscription suggest it may correspond to a compound honorific name structure common in the medieval Islamic world, potentially of the “… al-Dīn” type. Such names were frequently borne by military commanders, provincial governors, and elite administrators, particularly during periods of political consolidation and frontier governance. While no definitive reading can be asserted due to stylisation and wear, the composition aligns with naming conventions associated with leadership, religious legitimacy, and martial authority.
The bezel is framed and slightly elevated, clearly designed for sealing purposes. The sturdy shank and balanced proportions indicate an object intended for active, practical use rather than ceremonial display alone. Seal rings of this type functioned as extensions of personal power, enabling their owners to authenticate orders, correspondence, and property through impressed marks in wax or soft materials.
The surface exhibits a dark, stable patina with smoothing and abrasion consistent with prolonged handling and age. The wear pattern reinforces the interpretation of this ring as a functional object employed regularly in administrative or command contexts.
In the Early Medieval period, such signet rings were closely associated with figures operating within military, bureaucratic, or semi-autonomous regional power structures. The combination of durable construction, authoritative inscription style, and sealing functionality suggests ownership by a person of elevated status—possibly a commander, official, or leader whose authority required formal visual validation.
Dimensions:
Height: 25 mm
Outer diameter: 22 mm
Inner diameter: 19 mm
Material: Metal
Symbolism and Function:
Seal Ring: Instrument of authority, command, and authentication
Stylised Arabic Inscription: Likely an honorific or compound personal name associated with elite status
Military–Administrative Context: Rings of this nature often belonged to commanders or officials operating within hierarchical power systems
This ring represents the material culture of authority in the Early Medieval world, where identity, power, and legitimacy were condensed into compact yet symbolically potent objects.
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