Assyrian Haematite Cylinder Seal with Hunting Scene

Comprising a rounded body resting on three stub legs; funicular mouth and short neck; beneath the rim a mask with pinched nose and two pointed ears, impressed circular eyes and mouth; three vertical decorative strips impressed with the same tool as formed the eyes and mouth; tiered strap handle with two finger-grips to the outer face and impressed detailing running from the neck to the shoulder; rim and one foot partly restored. 723 grams, 20.6 cm



Ex Zackary, Los Angeles, 1960s. Thereafter London art market, 1992. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00079639. 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.

A long cylindrical bead, polished to accentuate natural contrasting banding at each end, with a natural 'eye' motif at the centre. 16.9 grams, 89 mm



UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. 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.

Cylinder with cord and bead handles; accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Cylinder seal of Red Stone with Some Cream, 30x13mm. The scene shows two kneeling worshippers, one either side of a stylized sacred tree below a winged solar disc. The seal is cut entirely with one tool, the cutting sheel, which enabled the work to be done quickly. the seal is to be dated c.900-800 B.C. and seals of this type are generally considered to be Babylonian, though this is not completely certain: they may have been made in Syria and southern Anatolia. The hands of the worshippers are in a typically Assyrian pose: one raised, one extended, but this type of seal is not generally found at Assyrian sites. The solar disc represents the storm god. Though there is some wear on the stone, the design remains quite clear and sharp.'; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 8.8 grams total, 8.1-29.5 mm



UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in August 1990. 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.