A Sasanian Chalcedony Dome Seal, Late Sassanian Period, ca. 5th - 6th century CE Medium - Copper Stephan was a US intelligence

Stephan was a US intelligence officer who also held a degree in archaeology

collection #192/47

and in Linzhang

Two long gold wires attached to the stomach to form four small legs

symbols of divine kingship and fertility

A Sasanian Chalcedony Dome Seal, Late Sassanian Period, ca. 5th - 6th century CE Medium - Copper Stephan was a US intelligenceA round dome seal pierced through the center for attachment, the flat oval bezel inscribed with a pomegranate branch featuring three petals, two downturned leaves, and a stem that emerges at a straight base stroke. Common motifs in Sasanian art, pomegranates are usually as a flower or fruiting plant, and is a symbol of fruitfulness and prosperity. For related examples see: Christopher J. Brunner, Sasanian Stamp Seals in the Metropolitan Museum of Art,