Loading, please wait...
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.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Western Asiatic Stone Macehead
3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Piriform in profile with flared tubular socket, flat rim, carination to the bulb and segmented upper face. 448 grams, 92 mm
From a London, UK, collection, 2000s. 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. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Personal Seal Matrix for 'modda ibn Abdullah'
14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Comprising a domed body rising to a pierced suspension lug, underside with discoid plaque and reversed incuse Arabic legend: 'Modda ibn Abdullah', a personal name also serving as a religious expression roughly translating to, 'Don't be a slave to anyone but Allah'. 16.6 grams, 17 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. 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. -
.jpg)
Western Asiatic Bronze Blade
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
With a short tang and long blade with swept shoulders, raised midrib. 454 grams, 52.2 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family 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.
In the last ninety years, many such tanged blades have been considered coming from production centres of North-West Iran, like Amlash and Marlik, where similar specimens were found. Without context an accurate dating is impossible, but the shape recalls the rapiers of Bronze Age or Early Iron Age.
