{"product_id":"ma2601","title":"A Neo-Assyrian Agate Duck Seal, Neo-Assyrian Empire, ca. 9th-7th century BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003eMasterfully carved from finely banded agate, this charming stamp seal depicts a recumbent duck, its long neck gracefully folded across its back and its head tucked into its plumage, in a natural sleeping pose. The sculptor skillfully exploited the contrasting bands of the agate to enhance the bird's elegant form, while carefully incised details define the eye, elongated bill, and layered feathers. Animal-shaped stamp seals of this quality were prized throughout the Neo-Assyrian period, combining artistic refinement with practical administrative use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flat oval base is engraved with the image of a winged \u003cem\u003eapkallu\u003c\/em\u003e, the protective genius that appears throughout Neo-Assyrian royal art. The figure strides forward with outstretched wings, carrying a long staff and wearing a crosshatched kilt. \u003cem\u003eApkallu\u003c\/em\u003e were supernatural guardian beings associated with wisdom, purification, and divine protection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrequently depicted in the reliefs of the Northwest Palace of Ashurnasirpal II at Nimrud and other Assyrian royal palaces, they were believed to safeguard both the king and the cosmic order. The seal has been pierced longitudinally for suspension and would have served as both a personal ornament and an administrative device for impressing ownership or authority into clay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe seal has been elegantly mounted as a pendant on a modern 18K yellow gold chain, allowing it to be worn while fully preserving its ancient character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMedium:\u003c\/b\u003e Agate, mounted on a modern 18K yellow gold chain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Length: 5\/8 inch (1.5 cm).  Chain adjustable to 18 inches.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e The seal is intact and in excellent condition overall.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eProvenance:  \u003c\/b\u003eHenry Anavian collection acquired in the 1980s, thence by descent to family.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arte Primitivo, New York","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58006423929135,"sku":"MA2601","price":2662.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/MA2601_4.jpg?v=1780069470","url":"https:\/\/sandsoftimedc.com\/en-de\/products\/ma2601","provider":"Sands of Time Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}