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Details
LOT 1113
Cylinder Seal Group
CIRCA 2300-2200 B.C. AND LATER
1/2 - 3/4 in. (7.62 grams total, 13-18 mm).
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. [3, No Reserve]
Provenance
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.
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From specialised collection of cuneiform texts, formed in the 1950s-1990s. The property of a London gentleman and housed in London, 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 1990s. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. Accompanied by a copy of a handwritten and signed scholarly note for five tablets written by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12119-216212.