Large Anatolian Steatite Seal with Carved Bird

Cylinder with standing figures, with restrung red stone bead to each 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, 32 x 20 mm. The design shows a row of five standing figures, the first raising one hand over a stand, the other four holding their hands at the waist. All are dressed in long robes to the legs. This is an Akkadian seal, c. 2300-2200 B.C., from Mesopotamia or south-west Iran. It is in good condition, and is a rare type. The engraving is in a rather crude style, but vigorous. The scene is one of worship'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 22.9 grams total, seal: 32.6 mm



Acquired on the French auction market. Accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1992. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13465-262418.

In the Akkadian seals parallel to the rendition of personalised might are scenes depicting quite realistic action of a divine or more divine characters. Later seals are often representing processions of attendants, worshippers (like here) or scenes of husbandry.

Pillow-shaped with columnar ribbing to the broad faces, dense cuneiform text in the columns. 57.2 grams, 63 mm



Private collection of Mr K., Maryland, USA. Private collection, Switzerland, acquired in 2000. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.12893-241757.

The 2nd millennium B.C. (about 2000–1000 B.C.) was an important period in the ancient Near East, when major civilisations such as the Babylonians, Assyrians, Hittites, and Egyptians grew in power and influence. It was a time of progress in trade, government, law, and writing, helping us understand how people lived and worked. Cuneiform tablets, which are small clay tablets written in one of the earliest writing systems, were widely used to record business, legal matters, letters, and stories. When these tablets are found outside their place of origin, it can show connections through trade, travel, or official communication, offering insight into both the ancient world and how such objects later moved through collections.

Including plano-convex type with openwork knot motif, pyramidal type with waffle-pattern, scaraboid type with seated figure and animals, and other designs. 8.8 grams total, 12-24 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.