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LOT 1097
Bactrian Copper Stamp Seal with Ibex
LATE 3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
7 in. (220 grams total, 17.8 cm including frame).
Ibex-shaped seal with segmented body and long horns, facing right, standing on all four legs; mounted in a modern wooden frame with fabric backing.
ProvenanceEx London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s.
Property of a London gentleman.
Cf. Sarianidi, V., Myths of Ancient Bactria and Margiana on its Seals and Amulets, Moscow, 1998, figs.84,89,90, for similar.
FootnotesThe object belongs to a large class of compartmented seals, characteristic of this area. These stamps were frequently produced in either copper or bronze and would feature distinctive figural or geometric patterns such as floral and cross motifs, or animals such as goats, snakes, scorpions and mythical beasts. The wild goat or markhor or ibex Shumashti Siru, was a tribal animal subject to representation on the most ancient Bactrian seals.
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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Caucasian Stag Figure with Attachment Loops
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Opening Bid: £1,000
Modelled in the round with vertical antlers, loops to the hooves and tail, vertical bar to the midriff with loop finials and coiled shank, coils to the neck. 111 grams, 83 mm
From the collection of a former Israeli ambassador, Mr N.M., 1960s-1980s. Kept in the UK since 1992. Private collection, London. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12264-221463. -
Western Asiatic Stone Stamp Seal in the Form of a Human mask
1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
Plano-convex in profile with low-relief facial features, large lentoid eyes and segmented hair; to the reverse, low-relief winged gryphons. 9.17 grams, 29 mm
Collected from 1970-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Seal Matrix
2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Pierced handle and incised starburst motif to the upper face of the matrix; intaglio motif of a recumbent beast with erect tail, foliate motif above. 9.4 grams, 19 mm
From an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva.
