Cylinder seal
Flag of IraqAncient Near Eastern ArtStone-Cylinder Seals-Inscribedca. 7th–6th century B.C.

Cylinder seal is a stone-cylinder seals-inscribed of Babylonian origin created in ca. 7th–6th century B.C. using chalcedony, (brown) measuring H. 1 1/8 in. (2.8 cm); D. 9/16 in. (1.5 cm) — now part of the Ancient Near Eastern Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About This Artwork

MediumChalcedony, (brown)
DimensionsH. 1 1/8 in. (2.8 cm); D. 9/16 in. (1.5 cm)
ClassificationStone-Cylinder Seals-Inscribed
DepartmentAncient Near Eastern Art
Credit LineGift of Nanette B. Kelekian, in memory of Charles Dikran and Beatrice Kelekian, 1999
Dateca. 7th–6th century B.C.

Historical Context

Culture & Period

This work belongs to the Babylonian culture, dating from the Neo-Babylonian period. The estimated date range is 700 BC – 500 BC.

Geography

Origin: Mesopotamia. Flag of Iraq

Frequently Asked Questions

What department houses Cylinder seal?

Cylinder seal is housed in the Ancient Near Eastern Art department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When was Cylinder seal created?

Cylinder seal dates to ca. 7th–6th century B.C..

What material is Cylinder seal made from?

Cylinder seal is crafted from chalcedony, (brown).

Is Cylinder seal in the public domain?

Cylinder seal is in the public domain and can be freely used.

Data Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access · Last updated: April 2026

Related