Minoan Lentoid Rock Crystal Seal
Circa 1450-1375 B.C. Displaying an incuse bull or other horned quadruped looking backwards; drilled for suspension. Cf. a comparable image in Boardman, J., Greek Gems and finger rings, early bronze age to Late Classical, London, 1973 (2001), no.106, p.47.3.63 grams, 18 mm (3/4 in.). Acquired in 1970. with Coins and Antiquities, formerly known as D.J. Crowther Ltd, Mayfair, London, UK. Private collection of a London antiquarian. The style of the lentoid seal has similarities with an agate lentoid seal from Fourni, Archanes, dated to the last period of the Cretan Palace in Knossos, before the island was occupied by the Achaeans. On the Cretan lentoid seals, single animals or a group of animals are plentiful. One of the most common motifs is that of a reclining or standing animal. Single animals are sometimes depicted with contorted bodies.