Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History, Stamps & Coins

Discoid footed dish with raised rim, central tondo with parcel-gilt ring and 'tamga' motif. 466 grams, 22 cm



Private collection, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13029-247330.

During the Sasanian Empire, the North Iranian ‘tamgas’ became ‘Neshan’ or seals and heraldic symbols of nobility and military personnel, worn on their dress, horses, standards and personal belongings like this vessel. This characteristic continued during the early Muslim domination. Among the Neshan published by Christensen, one particular ‘tamga’, related to an unknown Sasanian clan, recalls exactly half of the one impressed on the present example (Farrokh, 2005, p.23 no.5).

Mixed group of seven rings, one set with a carnelian cabochon. 49 grams total, 20-28 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.

Fragmentary seal with flying gryphons; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 2.36 grams, 24 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. Accompanied by a previous typed catalogue slip with collection no.80.

Comprising: a white stone cylinder seal with lozenges and 'eye' motifs; a brown stone cylinder seal with a standing robed figure and a standing quadruped; a small cream cylinder with three deeply carved motifs; a black stone fragment showing the body of a seated figure; a black stone cylinder seal fragment showing a winged genie and two smaller standing figures; supplied with museum-quality impressions. 16.03 grams total, 13-25 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Oval in plan with a tapering drilled central socket. 360 grams, 81 mm



Ex private collection, Contessa L.G., since the 1980s. Private collection, acquired in 1999.

The mace was a close-combat weapon consisting of a short handle and a massive striking element—the head, a striking weapon capable of inflicting severe contusions and internal fractures. Although a very archaic and rather primitive weapon, the mace was nevertheless widely used in the ancient East. Its sacred and representative role was particularly significant. Due to its shape, it symbolised the owner's masculinity and was therefore one of the primary insignia of power, symbolising the inseparability of its civil, military, and sacred-magical essences—ensuring the functioning and reproduction of the collective and the conditions for its existence. This is why we so often encounter ‘ceremonial’ maces, especially those made of stone—in this case, undoubtedly a ritual material. However, it must be said that stone, as a material for a mace head, was in no way inferior to metal in terms of combat qualities, while being much more labour-intensive to manufacture, which was precisely what appealed to the ritual, symbolic role of this weapon.

Polygonal fragment with densely arranged impressed cuneiform text on one side. 67 grams, 74 mm



London, UK, art market, 1980s. Private collection, London, UK.

Discoid pendant with slightly domed faces carved from banded agate, rectangular tab above and below, the upper one pierced for suspension. 7.95 grams, 30 mm



Ex French collection of Mr C, prior 2000. UK private collection, acquired from the above, 2000s.

A circular intaglio with an inscription within a border; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 1.41 grams, 15 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Private collection, London.

Domed type with incuse legend to the upper face in two lines of Naskh script; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 1.25 grams, 15 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Carved from agate with horizontal contrasting banding, with a later ellipsoid gold cap to each finial. 1.26 grams, 19 mm



From the collection of a late Japanese gentleman, 1970s onwards.

Corner section of a cuneiform tablet with impressed cuneiform text on three sides. 34.7 grams, 42 mm



London, UK, art market, 1980s. Private collection, London, UK.

Comprising a squat bulbous body with a flattened base, a short neck with an everted rim and a handle to the rear. 413 grams, 15.1 cm



From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s.