A rare South Arabian Banded Agate Stamp Seal with Inscription, Sabaean Culture, South Arabia (modern Yemen), ca. 2nd–3rd century CE Sculpture - Bronze 2199–2119 BCE)

2199–2119 BCE)

During the Han dynasty

imported into Egypt and the Near East from mines in Afghanistan

5”) x 81 cm (32”)

Medium: Steatite

A rare South Arabian Banded Agate Stamp Seal with Inscription, Sabaean Culture, South Arabia (modern Yemen), ca. 2nd–3rd century CE Sculpture - Bronze 2199–2119 BCE)A finely cut circular stamp seal carved from a warm orange banded agate, selected for its striking natural eye motif. The warm amber center, framed by a soft pale halo and darker outer band, not only gives the piece added presence, but no doubt enhanced its role as a personal object. In antiquity, stones with this kind of eye like pattern were often valued for more than their appearance. Across the ancient Near East, the eye was considered a