Artwork Page for Fire Altar Intaglio

Details / Information for Fire Altar Intaglio

Fire Altar Intaglio

c. 400 CE

Iran, Sasanian Empire (224–651 CE), reign of Hormizd II

(303–309)
Medium
chalcedony
Measurements
Overall: 2.4 x 2 x 1.7 cm (15/16 x 13/16 x 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1954.593
Public Domain
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Location
102A Ancient Near East
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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.
An oval chalcedony intaglio, a translucent brown stone, is carved with a central pillar on a tiered base. A bird with detailed feathers perches on its flat top, its head turned toward our left. Two upright fronds with diagonal leaves flank the pillar. The polished, rounded gem displays variations of warm amber and reddish-brown throughout.

Fire Altar Intaglio

c. 400 CE

Iran, Sasanian Empire (224–651 CE), reign of Hormizd II (303–309)

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