Loading, please wait...

Early Dynastic Lapis Lazuli Cylinder Seal Early Dynastic Lapis Lazuli Cylinder Seal Early Dynastic Lapis Lazuli Cylinder Seal
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Details

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.

Provenance

From 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.

Footnotes

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.

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.

Live Bidding

LOT 1432

Early Dynastic Lapis Lazuli Cylinder Seal

Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,210

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Amorite Terracotta Saddled Animal
    Amorite Terracotta Saddled Animal
    1800-1600 B.C.

    Estimate: £700 - 900 (‡+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £350

    Modelled in the round with halter to the chest, strap to the brow and saddle with two lateral containers and straps. 88 grams, 85 mm



    Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. 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

  • Mesopotamian Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli Bead Necklace String
    Mesopotamian Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli Bead Necklace String
    1st millennium B.C. and later

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £442

    Composed of small annular lapis lazuli beads and pillow-shaped graduated turquoise beads; restrung, no clasp. 15.9 grams, 68 cm



    Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. 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

  • Anatolian Terracotta Ram Rhyton
    Anatolian Terracotta Ram Rhyton
    19th-18th century B.C.

    Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (‡+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £1,500

    Ovoid in plan with ram-head finial and spout, filling-hole to the centre back and stub tail forming a handle; hatched panels to the sidewall with reserved running zigzag, radiating bands of impressed point ornament, head with forward-facing curled horns. 578 grams, 20.5 cm



    with Artemis gallery, Münich. Acquired by the present owner from the above in 1992. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12260-222201. 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