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_900x900.jpg "Achaemenid Chalcedony Stamp Seal with Ahura Mazda")
_200x200.jpg "Achaemenid Chalcedony Stamp Seal with Ahura Mazda")
.jpg "Achaemenid Chalcedony Stamp Seal with Ahura Mazda")
LOT 0230
Achaemenid Chalcedony Stamp Seal with Ahura Mazda
CIRCA 5TH CENTURY B.C.
1 in. (14.3 grams, 25 mm).
Fragment of a conoid seal; Bivar notes in his summary: 'White chalcedony conoid with the reverse end broken off, leaving disk-shaped bezel. Fifth century B.C. This shape is perhaps typical of Babylonia. Above, "Ahuramazda symbol" r., with a human bust crowned...'; accompanied by a museum-quality impression.
Provenancewith Christie's, London, 21 April 1999, no.12.
Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note typed and signed by A.D.H. (David) Bivar.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12541-230316.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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AUCTIONS:
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Akkadian Black Stone Cylinder Seal of the Sun God Shamash and Worshipping Parade
Circa 2334-2279 B.C.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Finely engraved with a religious scene, sun god Shamash seated on a throne with his feet resting on a padded stand, holding a scimitar in his raised left hand and wearing a horned headdress; four bearded deities and a smaller, clean-shaven young male worshipper before him, each of the deities wearing a horned headdress and a pleated garment; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 49.1 grams, 40 mm
From the 'S' collection, acquired 1970-1990s. The collection was seen and studied by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993. Accompanied by a copy of a report from Assyriologist Hui Li. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12539-231427. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The seal's excellent glyptic techniques, naturalistic depictions of the facial features, and the presented religious scene suggest that this seal might have belonged to a high official. -
Western Asiatic Painted Terracotta Bowl
3rd millennium B.C.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
With broad mouth and narrow dished base; painted bands with reserved swags to the inner rim, starburst to the centre. 468 grams, 19 cm wide
Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. London, UK, collection. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Early Dynastic Lapis Lazuli Cylinder Seal
Circa 2550-2400 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,210
Engraved with a religious scene comprising a seated king on a throne-shaped chair, holding a cup and wearing a long garment; standing worshipper or priest before him; before them, a nude hero and a bull-man presented in a contest scene. 4.75 grams, 23 mm
From the 'S' collection, acquired 1970-1990s. The collection was seen and studied by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993. Accompanied by a copy of a report from Assyriologist Hui Li. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12558-231428. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The clearly engraved facial features, the almond-shaped eyes, pointed noses, and abstract outlines shaping the bodies, attest to the iconic glyptic practices of the late Early Dynastic Period. The cup held by the king, containing holy ointment or oil, might have been used as an emblem to signify the elevated rank of a deified king. It may have also been used an alternative religious practice, connecting the secular authority and the divine power during the Early Dynastic Period.
