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Details

LOT 0234

Akkadian Black Stone Cylinder Seal of the Sun God Shamash

CIRCA 2334-2279 B.C.

1 1/2 in. (49.1 grams, 40 mm).

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; supplied with a museum-quality impression.

Provenance

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.

Footnotes

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.

CONDITION

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AUCTIONS:

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With Worshipping Parade

LOT 0234

Akkadian Black Stone Cylinder Seal of the Sun God Shamash

Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,900

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