925 Sterling silver
Size: 0.9" X 0.6" / 2.2 X 1.6 cm
Length: 7.4" / 19 cm
Based on a seal of brown jasper, scaraboid in shape and perforated length-wise, from the Israelite period II 7th century B.C.E. A lyre is carved on the upper part of its face above the inscription in ancient Hebrew script: “[Belonging] to Ma’adana, the King’s daughter”.
The lyre may be regarded as the musical instrument closest to the Kinnor of David or to that played in the Temple in Jerusalem.
This item comes with a certificate of authenticity of the Israel Museum, Jerusalem. Enclosed is a small description of its historical background in English and Hebrew.