Sasanian Gold Ring with Winged Lion Intaglio - 1st Millennium CE | Iranian Royal Family

Embark on a journey through time with this majestic Sasanian Gold Ring, featuring a Carnelian Winged Lion Intaglio from the 1st Millennium CE. This artifact, once part of the Iranian Royal Family's collection and later acquired by Dr. István Zelnik, epitomizes the grandeur of ancient Mesopotamian craftsmanship. Its rich history is matched by its material purity, with an XRF-confirmed gold content of 17.99 karats.

This Sasanian or Mesopotamian Gold Ring is a paragon of ancient luxury and symbolism. The center stage is taken by a Carnelian intaglio, expertly carved with the image of a winged lion—a powerful symbol of royal authority and divine protection. This figure was not chosen arbitrarily; it reflects the high regard for mythological creatures that symbolized power and majesty in Sasanian art.

This type of intaglio was typically used as a personal seal and is indicative of the owner's high social status. The combination of material and artistry, alongside the ring's well-documented provenance, marks this piece as an exceptional example of ancient craftsmanship and cultural significance.

The ring's composition, predominantly gold with minor silver and copper inclusions, has been meticulously analyzed via XRF testing to confirm a gold purity of 17.99 karats. Such a high karatage not only denotes the ring's former prestige but also suggests that it belonged to an individual of considerable importance. The inclusion of silver and copper would have been a deliberate choice, made to enhance the ring's durability and its warm, golden luster.

Holding a sizeable part of history, this ring has traversed time and empires, eventually becoming a part of Dr. István Zelnik's private collection after its acquisition in Paris in the 1990s. The ring's journey from the esteemed collection of the Iranian Royal Family to a modern connoisseur like Dr. Zelnik adds a narrative depth that is rare and invaluable.

For collectors seeking a piece with both historical gravitas and artistic beauty, this ring is a perfect choice. The craftsmanship of the intaglio, coupled with the ring's well-documented provenance, offers a window into the Sasanian or Mesopotamian era, making it a crowning addition to any collection of ancient artifacts.