Seal thumbnail 1
Seal thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Seal


A sealing from the Gandhara region, probably from Kula Dheri, Kushan period, late 1st to 3rd century A.D. A semi-conical, pinched up piece of burnt clay, bearing a seal impression of a standing warrior figure. Sealings of this type are particularly common at the site of Kula Dheri, though they have occassionally come to light on other sites. The purpose of these sealings is unknown, but it has been suggested that they are either commercial tokens or sealcutters samples. The fact that they are all different and that they cover a long period from Kaka-Pahlava to Gupta times, casts a doubt on both these interpretations, though it is difficult to suggest any alternative.


Object details

Object type
Materials and techniques
Burnt clay
Brief description
Writing, clay
Physical description
A sealing from the Gandhara region, probably from Kula Dheri, Kushan period, late 1st to 3rd century A.D. A semi-conical, pinched up piece of burnt clay, bearing a seal impression of a standing warrior figure. Sealings of this type are particularly common at the site of Kula Dheri, though they have occassionally come to light on other sites. The purpose of these sealings is unknown, but it has been suggested that they are either commercial tokens or sealcutters samples. The fact that they are all different and that they cover a long period from Kaka-Pahlava to Gupta times, casts a doubt on both these interpretations, though it is difficult to suggest any alternative.
Dimensions
  • Height: 2.9cm
  • Width: 2.1cm
Object history
Bought from a Rawalpindi dealer, 1937.
Collection
Accession number
IM.81-1937

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdJune 25, 2009
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest