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LOT 1432
Early Dynastic Lapis Lazuli Cylinder Seal
CIRCA 2550-2400 B.C.
7/8 in. (4.75 grams, 23 mm).
Engraved with a religious scene comprising a seated king on a throne-shaped chair, holding a cup and wearing a long garment; standing worshipper or priest before him; before them, a nude hero and a bull-man presented in a contest scene.
ProvenanceFrom the 'S' collection, acquired 1970-1990s.
The collection was seen and studied by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993.
Accompanied by a copy of a report from Assyriologist Hui Li.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12558-231428.
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.
The clearly engraved facial features, the almond-shaped eyes, pointed noses, and abstract outlines shaping the bodies, attest to the iconic glyptic practices of the late Early Dynastic Period. The cup held by the king, containing holy ointment or oil, might have been used as an emblem to signify the elevated rank of a deified king. It may have also been used an alternative religious practice, connecting the secular authority and the divine power during the Early Dynastic Period.
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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Chalcolithic Terracotta Figure Group
3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Comprising: a standing female with collar and fringed robe; standing quadruped. 260 grams total, 9-12.2 cm
From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman, 1979-1999. 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. -
Azerbaijani Terracotta Children's Toy Donkey
1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £700 - 900 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £275
Modelled in the round with head down, halter to the shoulders and spine supporting panniers open to the upper face; heater-shaped base with raised spur to the apex and transverse hole, circular piercings to the sides. 347 grams, 15.1 cm wide
with a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12126-217308. 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. -
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Levantine Black Stone Cylinder Seal with Walking Men
1300-1000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
Cylinder with fractured upper end; 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: ' Cylinder Seal of Black Stone, 41.5 x 19.5 mm. This seal is cone-shaped -- narrower at the top than the bottom -- and is engraved both around the sides and on the bottom. The top is broken off, and this would have contained a hole for carrying on a string. Around the sides a row of four walking men is depicted. They are shown in schematized shape, especially the heads which are round blobs with a point at one side for the nose. Three hold rods in their raised hand, the fourth grips a branch with the aid of the figure walking in front of him. All four have three horizontal cuts across their bodies from waist to thighs, and in three cases something flows out behind ending in a curve at the end, perhaps intended as part of their dress, a ribbon for example. This frieze is contained within lines above and below. On the base appears a standing quadruped with a small head and long curving tail. This is an extremely rare type of cylinder-stamp seal, Levantine in origin, and dating from c. 1300-1000 B.C. It is larger than most cylinder seals. The closest parallel is in the collection of the Dukes of Northumberland, now in the Museum of Oriental Art, University of Durham, published in Iraq 41 (1979) p.33f. and pl.xii, no.110.'; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 26.58 grams, 42 mm
UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in August 1991. 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.
