Achaemenid Banded Agate Elbow Bead

Carved bifacial amuletic pendant of an ox with incised detailing, sockets for inlaid eyes, suspension hole at shoulder. 62 grams, 74 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

With two rows of human and animal figures; accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Description of Cylinder Seal of Hematite, 20 x 11 mm. Main scene, upper register: goddess exposing herself and holding up plant to far right, before her a human in garment with thick edges, facing these two, three Lammas with both hands raised and a star above their raised hands. Main scene, lower register: nude female between two lions, same nude female between two frontally depicted beardless figures. Minor scene: two seated drinkers, pot of beer with two straws between them; a row of four walking humans; spiral pattern between. Horizontal rules separate some of the groups. Syria, c. 1900-1700 B.C. Condition: some wear and a little chipping at the bottom, but mostly in good condition.'; accompanied by a museum quality impression and a pair of red stone beads. 5.75 grams, 19.80 mm



Private collection, London, UK. Accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993.

With a bag-shaped tubular body and narrow rounded base; everted rim with chamfered profile. 775 grams, 14.2 cm



Private collection, UK.