Bactrian Bronze Seal Stamp

$119.98

A fine Western Asiatic Bactrian bronze seal stamp featuring a wheel shape cantered by a hollow cross, surrounded by a pleasant motif of semicircles. A lug handle is attached in the centre on the reverse and is pierced for suspension. Earthly encrustation and patination to the surface.

Date: Circa 2nd Millennium BC
Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously in the collection of Mr S.M., acquired in the 1970s-1990s.
Condition: Fine condition.

SOLD

Bactria was a historical region in Central Asia, it covered areas of modern-day Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The stamps were frequently produced in either copper or bronze and would feature distinctive figural or geometric patterns. These designs would be pressed into clay or wax to mark one’s ownership. Different cultures would craft their stamp seal shape accordingly, Bactrian depict a compartmented shape like this seal stamp. By the 3rd millennium BC, stamp seals of this type were replaced with cylinder seals.

Weight 22 g
Dimensions W 4.0 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Reference: For a similar item, The British Museum 1993,0129.3