Semiprecious stones engraved with exquisite miniature scenes were used widely within the ancient Persian Empire to seal documents. By pressing these personal seals into wet clay, the owner could impress the carved scene as their signature. Seal shapes and motifs from the region of Asia Minor (present-day Turkey) were made in a hybrid style that blended Persian and Greek elements, and the gems were often set in gold or silver mounts to be worn or carried as a form of jewelry. Discover more in the new online exhibition Engraved Gems from the Ancient Persian Empire at the link in bio. 💎: Seal with a Seated Hyena, about 400 B.C., Achaemenid (Persian). Getty Museum Cylinder Seal with the Persian King Grasping Two Lions, about 500 B.C., Achaemenid (Persian). Getty Museum Scaraboid with a Persian King Fighting a Greek Hoplite, about 450 B.C., Achaemenid (Persian). Getty Museum Engraved Tabloid Gem (back), about 400 B.C., Achaemenid (Persian). Getty Museum 🏷 #Art #ArtHistory #Per...