Sealing

Art Historical Context

This delicate clay sealing, crafted around the 7th century CE during the Sasanian period, offers a glimpse into the administrative heart of ancient Iran's last pre-Islamic empire. Measuring just 1¾ × 1¾ × 1 inches, this un-baked clay impression—likely stamped from an intaglio seal—was used to secure documents, containers, or doors, much like a modern wax seal. Its fragile, unfired state preserved the fine details of its camel motif, a nod to the vital role these resilient beasts played in Sasanian trade caravans along the Silk Road. Sasanian art often featured animals symbolizing power, ferti...