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LOT 0284
Aramaic Lead Magical Scroll
CIRCA 1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 in. (298 grams, 62 mm).
Still sealed and complete and in exceptional condition, a solid example with the entire scroll within available for conservation unrolling.
ProvenanceFrom the property of the late Mr SM, London, UK, 1969-1999.
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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Western Asiatic Alabaster Cosmetic Dish
Mid 2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Comprising a shallow rounded bowl supported by three feet modelled as reclining lions; old inked collection number 88.349 to the bottom. 34 grams, 33 mm wide
Ex Symes gallery, Mayfair, London, UK, before 1999, with stock reference number. Accompanied by a previous catalogue information slip. -
Western Asiatic Graduated Gold Bead Set
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
Mixed group of granulated beads with different sized holes. 3.25 grams total, 5-10 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. -
Chalcedony Pendant Stamp Seal with Mythical Creature
Circa 8th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
An Assyrian or Urartian bell-shaped seal featuring a ribbed suspension loop attached to a stepped base; on the convex underside of the seal, there is an intricate engraving depicting a mythical creature that combines the body of an eagle with a fish tail; this hybrid creature is depicted facing to the left and holding a hare in its beak, with a snake coiled around the seal's perimeter; accompanied by a museum-quality impression and a typed and signed scholarly note issued by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Chalcedony / 23 x 14.5 mm. / This has a round, convex face, and above it is a cylinder with sharply concave sides, on top of which is (of one piece with the rest) a pierced lug with grooves over its top. The design on the base shows a standing composite creature: legs, wings and head of a bird, but body of a fish. In its beak it is holding a dead hare or other such creature. Around the design is a snake, whose body does not quite complete the circle. / This is an Urartian seal, from the ancient Kingdom of Urartu, c. 800-650 B.C. It comes from the area around Lake Van. The composite creature is a typical feature of the art of this kingdom. The snake is interesting, since it is the forerunner of the famous Ourobouros on magic gems of the period c. 100 B.C. to 200 A.D. It often appears surrounding a design, but it has its tail in its mouth. This seal has very slight chipping of the edges, but generally is in very good condition.' 4.71 grams, 23 mm
Private collection, England, 1990. European art market. Anonymous sale; Christie's, New York, 6 December 2007, no.374. From the 'Empire' collection, an important UK private collection of seals. with Bonhams, London, 7 December 2021, no.64 (£3,000 - £4,000). Accompanied by a copy of a typed and signed scholarly note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993.
