{"product_id":"mj2551","title":"A rare South Arabian Banded Agate Stamp Seal with Inscription, Sabaean Culture, South Arabia (modern Yemen), ca. 2nd–3rd century CE","description":"\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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 protective motif, believed to deflect harm or ward off ill intent. Set within a personal object like a seal, this natural feature would have added an additional layer of meaning, reinforcing its role not only as a marker of identity but also as something carried or worn for a degree of protection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flat face is engraved with a neatly arranged two-line inscription in Ancient South Arabian script, each line containing three characters, reading s³ n m above and c m h below, separated by simple incised lines. The engraving is clear and well balanced, with the clean, geometric forms typical of personal seals from the Sabaean world of ancient Yemen. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMedium:\u003c\/b\u003e Agate \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Diameter: 3\/4 inch (1.9 cm). Strung as a pendant on a modern 18K yellow gold chain, adjustable up to 18 inches \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e The seal is intact, and shows wear to both terminals from ancient use. The inscription remains clear and easy to read.\u003c\/span\u003e It has been mounted as a pendant on a modern 18K yellow gold chain. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Collection of Henry Anavian, Sumer Gallery, NYC., 1980s, and to the family by inheritance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arte Primitivo, New York","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55950495875375,"sku":"MJ2551","price":3155.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/MJ2551_4.jpg?v=1774822949","url":"https:\/\/sandsoftimedc.com\/en-ca\/products\/mj2551","provider":"Sands of Time Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}