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_900x900.jpg "Akkadian Shell Cylinder Seal with Heroes")
_200x200.jpg "Akkadian Shell Cylinder Seal with Heroes")
.jpg "Akkadian Shell Cylinder Seal with Heroes")
LOT 0224
Akkadian Shell Cylinder Seal with Heroes
2350-2200 B.C.
1 1/4 in. (27 grams, 33 mm).
Representing a god with horned helmet, half animal and half man, standing on the left and holding a staff, near him the hero Gilgamesh killing Humbaba, and the hero Enkindu killing the celestial bull, followed by a mythological divinity depicted as half animal and half human; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenanceAcquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
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.12577-232112.
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. similar seal in Weber, O., Der Alte Orient, II volumes, Leipzig, 1920, no.15, 206.
FootnotesKing Sargon of Akkad created political unity when he seized control of Mesopotamia, and carvings on seals from the time demonstrate his success by portraying the power the Akkadian gods had to legitimize both their domain and their rulers. Religious scenes on cylinder seals detail the spiritual beliefs and practices of the time. The deeply intertwined relationship between religion and state power in Akkad is also present in the decorations of some cylinder seals. Here the hero Gilgamesh, embodying the strength of royal power, kills the monster Humbaba, as the king of Akkad kills his enemies.
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:
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Assyrian Chalcedony Head of Pazuzu
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Carved in the round with ribbed horns to the top of the head, almond-shaped eyes, snub nose, gaping mouth with fangs and hatched beard; pierced longitudinally. 16.1 grams, 31 mm
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Abbasid Three-Colour Lustre Pottery Bowl Group
10th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £900
Of rounded form on short foot with everted lip, each with hatched decoration on the reverse; one with stylised palmettes on dense dotted and hatched ground; the other with radial composition with floral branches; restored. 598 grams total, 18-19.2 cm
with Christie's, South Kensington, Art & Textiles of The Islamic & Indian Worlds, 8 April 2011, no.142. Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12723-235153. 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 Ring with Processional Figures
1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £40
Longitudinally ribbed hoop with slightly flared bezel, two engraved figures with objects in the field. 7.10 grams, 24.85 mm overall, 18.45 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
Acquired 1979-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., 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.
