Loading, please wait...

Early Akkadian Shell Cylinder Seal with Attacking Lions Early Akkadian Shell Cylinder Seal with Attacking Lions Early Akkadian Shell Cylinder Seal with Attacking Lions
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Details

LOT 0217

Early Akkadian Shell Cylinder Seal with Attacking Lions

2400-2200 B.C.

1/4 - 1 1/8 in. (16.1 grams total, 8.1-29.57 mm).

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: 'Description of Cylinder Seal of Fossil Shell 30 x 16.5 mm. A god standing in the centre succours a domestic animal on either side which is being attack[ed] in turn by a lion. Terminal: two line[s] below vacant description panel. The seal is of late ED III or early Akkad date, c. 2400-2200 B.C. The cutting is marked by a strong use of the drill. The seal is worn, though the design clear. The meaning of the design is based on real life. Lions were a real threat to the herds and flocks of the community, and it was hoped that the depiction of a god coming to the rescue of the domestic creatures would mean that in real life their animals would be similarly saved by divine help.'; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. [No Reserve]

Provenance

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.

CONDITION
VETTING:

TimeLine 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:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0217

Early Akkadian Shell Cylinder Seal with Attacking Lions

Sold for (Inc. bp): £169

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Western Asiatic Triple-Spouted Schist Oil Lamp
    Western Asiatic Triple-Spouted Schist Oil Lamp
    1st millennium B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £98

    Carved with a central recess and three spouts radiating from the edge. 81 grams, 73 mm



    From a collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva. 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.

    Lot Details

  • Achaemenid Decorated Bronze Phiale Mesomphalos
    Achaemenid Decorated Bronze Phiale Mesomphalos
    5th-4th century B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £494

    A broad carinated bowl with radiating repoussé lotus-leaf panels, central domed roundel. 157 grams, 11.5 cm



    with a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s. 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.

    Lot Details

  • Bactrian Bronze Stamp Seal of a Bird
    Bactrian Bronze Stamp Seal of a Bird
    2nd millennium B.C.

    Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £100

    Openwork disc with segmented detailing, mounted in a wooden frame. 296 grams, 18 x 18 cm



    Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. London, UK, collection. 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.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list