ARMENIA. Uncertain, 18th-19th century. Stamp Seal (Bronze, 25x18 mm, 7.22 g). ԿԲԻԾ[.] / ՌՑԱԾԱ / ՏՈՒՐ (?) ('KBIC / RCAÇA / TUR' in Armenian). Very fine.


The meaning of the Armenian inscription on this stamp seal remains uncertain. The text appears to read KBIC / RCAÇA / TUR, of which only the final word, TUR ('Give!'), yields a clear interpretation. One would typically expect a personal name on a seal, which makes the absence of a clearly identifiable one all the more notable. The inscription may represent a magical formula ending in an imperative, or it may be a partially stylized text and our decipherment is incorrect. In any case, it is a highly unusual and intriguing piece.