Ancient Parthian Carnelian Intaglio: Enthroned Ruler with Bow, ca.

Asiatic, Parthian,. Ancient Near East, Iran or Mesopotamia, Parthian (Arsacid) Empire, ca. 1st century BCE to 2nd century CE. A finely engraved oval carnelian intaglio in warm translucent orange. It shows a bearded ruler in profile, wearing a diadem over his hair, seated on a throne with an X-braced side panel and holding a strung bow. Before him stands a flaming altar, and a crescent moon hovers above. The image echoes the famous seated archer on the reverse of Parthian royal coinage, the symbol of Arsacid kingship. Carved with fine detail in the robes, the hair and the altar flames, it would have served as a personal seal set into a ring. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. Item # 205873

Estimate:$750

View all items fromArtemis Fine ArtsorAsian Art