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LOT 0257
Achaemenid Chalcedony Stamp Seal
CIRCA 530 B.C.
1 1/4 in. (18.4 grams, 32 mm).
Ellipsoid in plan and plano-convex in section, reverse with invocation scene: on a baseline a kilted figure advancing towards an altar with flames, holding a cup and a plate; altar flanked by two crouching winged bulls with human heads; perching eagle to right with amphora; above a winged sun-disc and rectangular object; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenanceFrom the Fadel family collection, London, UK, 1970s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12769-237265.
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.
Cf. a seal with similar characters in Median clothes offering sacrifices to a fire altar in Abdullaev, K., ‘Symbols associated with temples and altars in the Middle East and Iran’ in Parthica, culture del Mondo Antico, Roma, 2019, pp.11-42, fig.14, p.20.
FootnotesThe seal shows elements belonging to the period of the Achaemenid dynasty: the winged solar disc, symbol of the supreme god, Ormadz; the fire altar in the centre, a typically Zoroastrian element. The costume of the offerant is also decidedly Persian, with a short tunic at the knees and trousers of the saravara type.
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AUCTIONS:
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Syro-Hittite Lead Fertility Idol
2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
A plaque depicting a stylised man and woman conjoined at hips, flanking a small child holding their legs, the woman with large head and long hair, holding her breasts, the man wearing a loin cloth and conical headdress, holding the woman by the arm. 30 grams, 70 mm
Fine condition.
Ex property of a Dutch gentleman; formerly in an old Dutch collection formed in the 1970s. From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent. 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. -
Achaemenid Silver Cylinder Seal Case with Battle Scene
5th century B.C.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,250
Depicting a combat scene comprising of a standing richly dressed royal figure with a bow-case, one hand holding wrist and other piercing shoulder of a kneeling soldier; standing helmetted archer holding his other shoulder; two bearded men lying face down beneath; winged sun disc above and date palm behind; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 17.4 grams, 32 mm
From the collection of the late S, London, UK, 1970-2000. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12821-240845. 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. -
West Central Asian Bronze Star-Shaped Stamp Seal
Circa 2300-2000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With segmented face and pierced lug handle; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: ' Stamp Seal of Bronze. 39x41x8 mm. This has the shape of a seven-pointed star marked on the convex back as if seven petals around the central loop handle. The face is flat and has a design engraved into it. The interpretation of the design is not completely sure, but it seems to involve an eagle, perhaps carrying off prey. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is a rare type and the design is fascinating. The metal has been conserved and the piece is in very good condition.' 18.5 grams, 41 mm
From the collection of the late Mr S, 1970-1990s. Accompanied by an original typed and signed scholarly note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993. 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.
