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LOT 0206
Babylonian Cylinder Seal with King and Bull-Men
CASSITE PERIOD, CIRCA 1400-1100 B.C.
7/8 in. (2.8 grams, 22 mm).
With three standing figures; accompanied by 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 Fawn, Colourless and Whitish Agate, 22.5 x 9 mm. The design shows two standing bull-men holding between them a pole-standard with a kind of fleur-de-lis on top. There is a cuneiform inscription in Babylonian language: sa-ki-in (May god be merciful) / na4kisib an-ni (to the one equipped) / ilum li-re-en-s[u] (with this seal. This is a Cassite-period Babylonian seal, c. 1400-1100 B.C. It is a rare design for the period and the inscription may be unique. The seal is chipped at the edges, and is joined from two pieces with no loss of surface, and is in an attractive stone.' [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcademically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s.
From a collection acquired from various auction houses in the UK.
From the estate of Mr R.W., a private Wiltshire, UK, collector; thence by descent.
Accompanied by an original typed and signed scholarly note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993.
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Large Syro-Hittite Terracotta Idol Head
2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Modelled in the round with prominent discoid eyes, diadem to the top and rear of the head with lateral sockets (perhaps for temple-rings?); mounted on a custom-made display stand. 617 grams total, 15 cm high including stand
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Western Asiatic Mixed Agate and Carnelian Bead Group
1st millennium B.C. and laterEstimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Including biconvex, tubular, conical, tabular and other types. 195 grams total, 6-31 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Cylinder Seal Group
Circa 2300-2200 B.C. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £286
Comprising: an Akkadian example with a heroic scene carved in shell, accompanied by 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 White Marble, 18 x 10 mm. The design shows hero in the middle, succouring on either side a domestic quadruped on its hind legs, each being attacked by a lion. This is an Akkadian seal from Mesopotamia or West Iran, c. 2300-2200 B.C. The surface is somewhat worn.'; a haematite seal engraved with a walking dog or wolf with three stars above, rosette to the back; a carnelian seal engraved with a group of worshippers wearing long robes and Median caps, tree motif to the back. 7.62 grams total, 13-18 mm
The first property of a London gentleman; part of his family collection since the 1970s. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the 1980s. The other examples the property of a London gentleman; acquired before 1995. From a collection acquired from various auction houses in the UK. From the estate of Mr R.W., a private Wiltshire, UK, collector; thence by descent. Accompanied by a original typed and signed scholarly note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993.
