Cylinder Seal
Medium
Decorative Arts
Classification
Decorative Arts
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly
Accession Number
1929.8.188
Tags
Art Historical Context
Behold the enigmatic **Cylinder Seal** from the Smithsonian American Art's Decorative Arts collection, a from collector John Gellatly. unidentified artifact, classified both as a decorative object and a practical tool, invites us to ponder its ancient utility and craftsmanship. With no known artist or date, it stands as a testament to the enduring allure of functional art across cultures. Cylinder seals like this one were ingeniously designed to be rolled across soft clay, imprinting intricate patterns or motifs to authenticate documents, goods, or ownership—blending artistry with everyday se...
About the Artist
Unidentified ( ) · –