Multiface Wax Seal
An antique clear paste seal featuring imagery of a multi-head, multi-faced profile
This seal is incredibly clever as the 5 faces appear in portrait position but if you rotate the seal by 180 degrees to the alternate portrait position you can still see the 5 faces…there is probably a clever word to describe this but Emma doesn’t know it! Image 1 shows one way up with the younger face on the right hand side, Image 2 shows the seal rotated 180 degrees with the older face now appearing on the right hand side. So so clever.
This seal is gagging to be set in a closed back setting – any metal choice would be equally sublime but the closed back would provide further complexity and depth by mirroring the faces in the gold – it’d be absolutely epic
This seal is hypnotic and entrancing, the more you look the more you see, it’s fascinating!
Why we love it
Possible symbolism of this seal are two fold firstly it might be Janus, the Roman God, with no Greek counterpart. God of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, doorways and endings, so a powerful talisman and make no mistake. Janus is usually shown with two opposite faces, one looking to the past, the other looking to the future.
Another possibility is the seal is intended to represent the human life with the faces spanning from youth to old age which does seem to be borne out by the seal as the faces do each seem to get older….please see the photos
Additional information
| Era | Georgian |
|---|---|
| Seal material | Antique paste to mimic rock crystal |
| Seal colour | Clear colourless |
| Seal shape | North south rounded rectangle |
| Condition | Excellent antique condition |
| Dimensions | 14 x 13 x 5.5mm |
| Shipping | Custom's duties, import taxes and/or tariffs are not included in our pricing and are the client's responsibility, The extender will be sent with an antiquities declaration, Worldwide shipping is included in our pricing |
What would Emma do?
We’ve priced this piece as our Classic Pendant and Closed Back Classic Pendant, however if you’d like to set it as a Gemstone Bezel Pendant, please do reach out to us and we will tailor a quote for you.
Why not visit our Flown Away Home section for design inspo, or check out our full collection of wax seals.
