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Seal Stone

10th–11th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 453
Early Islamic seal stones were made from a variety of stones that came in many shapes and forms. The undeciphered inscription on this pink carnelian stone is a single word and is probably a name.


Personal seals served as an individual’s official signature in the Near East long before the advent of Islam. Among the many stones employed as seals, carnelian was by far the most popular, owing at least in part to its availability, toughness, and resistance to abrasion. It was also noted to be the favorite stone of the Prophet Muhammad.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Seal Stone
  • Date: 10th–11th century
  • Geography: Excavated in Iran, Nishapur
  • Medium: Carnelian; incised
  • Dimensions: H. 9/16 in. (1.5 cm)
    W. 1/2 in. (1.3 cm)
    D. 3/16 in. (0.5 cm)
  • Classification: Seals
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1938
  • Object Number: 38.40.100
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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