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LOT 1037
Central Asian Large Bronze Compartmented Stamp Seal
2300-2000 B.C.
3 3/4 in. (170 grams, 96 mm wide).
Accompanied by a typed and signed scholarly note written by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, which states: 'This is round, with scalloped edge, flat face and flat back, on which is mounted an angular handle with pear-shaped hole. The design, which is compartmented and partly open-work, consists of the outer band with scalloped rim within which are four plant motifs consisting of a central bud and two projecting leaves. The stems of two of these motifs join in the middle. The other two end in a triangle shape. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c.2300-2000 B.C. It is an [sic] extremely large and with a fine design. Generally it is in very good condition, but there is slight damage to the rim at one point, and a small dent on one of the leaves. Also the rim is bent over a little at one point. The back has been vigorously cleaned. But this remains a major example of its kind.'
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a London gentleman, pre 2000.
Accompanied by an original typed and signed scholarly note by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
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AUCTIONS:
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Bactrian Gold Earring Pair
Circa 1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
Each composed of an ear hook with circular cells at the neck and triangular plaque composed of graduated gold bulbs. 3.16 grams, 18 mm each
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. -
Western Asiatic Haematite Cylinder Seal with Presentation Scene
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
With frieze depicting two standing robed figures before a crowned figure on a throne, symbols in the field; later drilled 'pellets'. 22.5 grams, 28 mm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector, collection no.16. London collection, 2016. -
Mesopotamian Decorated Bulla Envelope Containing Tokens
Mid 6th-mid 4th millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
Spherical hollow clay mass with the remains of impressions to the exterior and ceramic tokens inside; surface cracked. 169 grams, 61 mm
Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992. Thence by descent to family members. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.
This bulla envelope likely belonged to the Sumerian or Uruk culture. It is believed that there are less than 250 complete and fragmentary examples of this type of bulla envelope worldwide. This is one of only a handful of examples ever offered at auction. The bulla first emerged in Mesopotamia around 8000 B.C. The clay envelopes contain a number of pre-baked accounting tokens, which were used in commercial and stock-taking transactions. Placing the tokens inside the bulla greatly enhanced the honesty of the transaction, as the bulla would have to be broken or crushed to reveal its contents.
