The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 25, 2024

Fire Altar Intaglio

Fire Altar Intaglio

c. 400 CE
(224–651 CE), reign of Hormizd II (303–309)
chalcedony
Overall: 2.4 x 2 x 1.7 cm (15/16 x 13/16 x 11/16 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1954.593
Location: 102A Ancient Near East

Did You Know?

Seal stones served as signatures and seals for documents.

Description

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.
  • Vladimir G. Simkovitch
    Vladimir G. Simkhovitch
  • {{cite web|title=Fire Altar Intaglio|url=false|author=|year=c. 400 CE|access-date=25 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1954.593