Click image to view full screen
Fire Altar Intaglio
✓ Authenticity guarantee · ✓ Specialist condition report · ✓ Insured worldwide shipping · ✓ Private-room viewing
A Zoroastrian fire altar is carved into this chalcedony intaglio, consisting of a pedestal, pillar, and bowl for an eternal flame. A bird perches above the altar bowl and fish flank the pedestal. A carved star decorates the backside. A pierced hole through the gemstone suggests it once hung on a cord around a neck or wrist. Although the fire altar is a Zoroastrian religious symbol, birds and fish also occur in Christian iconography.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, reign of Hormizd II (303–309) |
|---|---|
| Date | c. 400 CE |
| Culture / Origin | Iran, Sasanian Empire (224–651 CE), reign of Hormizd II (303–309) |
| Medium | chalcedony |
| Dimensions | Overall: 2.4 x 2 x 1.7 cm (15/16 x 13/16 x 11/16 in.) |
| Department | Egyptian and Ancient Near Eastern Art |
| Type | Glyptic |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
Fine-art shipping with climate control and full insurance to over 120 countries; collection by appointment.
Buying at Matchless Pieces
Register, verify your identity, and bid online or in a private room. Buyer’s premium and taxes are shown before you confirm.
You May Also Like
Anonymous, reign of Hormizd II (303–309)
Drachm: Fire altar with bust, Zoroastrian priest holding sword left, King as priest holding sword right (reverse)
Anonymous, reign of Hormizd II (303–309)
Drachma: Bust of Hormizd II, r., wearing crown (obverse)
Anonymous, reign of Hormizd II (303–309)
Drachm: Bust of Hormizd II (obverse); Fire altar with Bust (reverse)