Loading, please wait...
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]
ProvenanceUK 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.
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
-
.jpg)
Ancient Gold Bead Collection
Circa 3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
Group of large facetted biconical types. 4.51 grams total, 17-27 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. 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.
This category of bead can already be seen in Sumerian jewellery from the 'Royal Cemetery' at Ur, about 2500 B.C. In particular they can be seen on gold chains of interlocking folded rings used to secure the headdress of a man, with facetted gold forehead beads between small beads of carnelian and large ones of lapis lazuli -
Sasanian Agate Seal Group
3rd-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Comprising: banded agate seal with profile bust within a wreath; pink seal with reserved discs to the flanks. foliage and frond design; accompanied by museum-quality impressions. 7.03 grams total, 14-19 mm
From the collection of a London antiquarian, formed since the 1980s. 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. -
Mesopotamian Cuneiform Tablet Fragment
Early 2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £273
Bifacial, pillow-shaped with cuneiform text to both faces; lower end partly absent. 89 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. This small collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. 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.
