Jemdet Nasr Type White Stone Cylinder Seal with Seated Figures

A cuboid seal with longitudinal piercing, each side with a different motif: a roaring lion(?), a foot imprint, a crouching lion, and a hand with snake to the side; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 17.9 grams, 26 mm



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 Peter Gert Van der Veen, senior lecturer of Levantine Archaeology Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz. 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.

D-shaped in profile with rounded attachment loop, rectangular body with low-relief carving to each face: Side A, pair of opposed zebu on a field with palm tree and scorpions above; Side B, oasis with three palm trees, scorpions above. 3.9 kg, 22.5 cm high



with Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, Tel Aviv, 1968. Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. London, UK, collection. Accompanied by a copy of an original certificate of authenticity from Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, 19 June 1968. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12535-230402. 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.

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. 4.75 grams, 23 mm



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.

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.