Loading, please wait...

Akkadian Black Stone Cylinder Seal of the Sun God Shamash Akkadian Black Stone Cylinder Seal of the Sun God Shamash Akkadian Black Stone Cylinder Seal of the Sun God Shamash
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
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
VETTING:

TimeLine 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.

With Worshipping Parade

LOT 0234

Akkadian Black Stone Cylinder Seal of the Sun God Shamash

Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,900

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Western Asiatic Bronze Ram Kohl Vessel
    Western Asiatic Bronze Ram Kohl Vessel
    2nd millennium B.C.

    Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £500

    Modelled as a stylised ram with stocky body and short legs, exaggerated head with curving horns and large ears, tubular mouth with remains of the applicator closing the opening. 425 grams, 11.4 cm



    Private collection Dr Rudolf and Leonora Blum, Zumikon, Switzerland. with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. 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.

    Lot Details

  • Western Asiatic Silver Architectural Ring
    Western Asiatic Silver Architectural Ring
    12th-13th century A.D.

    Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (‡+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £900

    D-section hoop with boss to underside and cell to each shoulder, cruciform plaque supporting a four-legged drum-shaped structure with granule finial. 35 grams, 45.64 mm overall, 18.81 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)



    Acquired in the 1980s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12718-234695. 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.

    Lot Details

  • Luristan Bronze Bull and Harrow
    Luristan Bronze Bull and Harrow
    2nd-1st millennium B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £20

    Comprising a hollow-formed zebu with loop to the shoulders, rectangular harrow. 13.6 grams, 28.6-38 mm



    Acquired in the 1990s. 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.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list