A rare eastern greek carnelian seal intaglio. Emblema with Zeus Labraundos for thr Satrapy of Caria.

4th century B.C.

H: 32 mm

This rare representation is composed with two bearded and draped male figures, each holding a spear/sceptre in the left hand and a double axe in the right. The two figures are facing each other, in the same attitude and both show a mature face. The left hand holding the spear also holds a part of the himation, each raising a foot slightly in the same move. This emblematic scene, very rare and of historical interest, refers to the satrapy of Caria, and in particular the coinage of Idrieus. Idrieus, or Hidrieos was a ruler of Caria under the Achaemenid Empire, nominally a Satrap from the House of Hecatomnus (the Hecatomnids) created when they succeeded the assassinated Persian Satrap Tissaphernes in the Carian satrapy. An exact comparison is identifiable with the drachm: Head of Apollo wearing laurel wreath, drapery at neck. Rev: legend (“IDRIEOS”), Zeus Labraundos standing. Circa 351/0 to 344/3 BCE or Satraps of Karia, Pixodaros AR Didrachm. Halikarnassos, circa 341/0-336/5 BC. Laureate head of Apollo facing, turned slightly to right / Zeus Labraundos standing to right, holding double-axe (labrys) over shoulder and and lotus-tipped sceptre; SNG Copenhagen 597; SNG Kayhan 891; SNG Von Aulock 2375-6; Pixodarus -. 6.90g, 20mm. On Greek coins of the classical period (e. g. Pixodauros) a type of Zeus venerated at Labraunda in Caria that numismatists call Zeus Labrandeus stands with a sceptre upright in his left hand and the double-headed axe over his shoulder. This carnelian cylinder seal is drilled lengthwise, multiple internal cracks and a worn surface. Wear marks and little missing on the surface.



UK private collection, London.