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LOT 1368
Large Bactrian Pierced Stone Seal
2700-1400 B.C.
1 1/2 in. (22.1 grams, 37 mm).
Domed body with deeply engraved underside with abstract motifs, drilled for suspension. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
LiteratureCf. a similar seal in Salvatori, S., ‘Bactria and Margiana seals: A new Assessment of Their Chronological Position and a Typological Survey’ in East and West, Vol. 50, No.1/4 (December 2000), pp. 97-145, fig.12, no.6.
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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Western Asiatic Gold Pendant
Circa 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Formed with two granulated gold beads separated by a garnet bead, and two small blue beads below, a loop above and below. 2.41 grams, 22 mm
Ex late Japanese gentleman's collection, 1970-2010. Accompanied by a previously illustrated catalogue card with provenance. -
Western Asiatic Silver-Coloured Metal Ring Group
Circa 12th-18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
A mixed group of rings from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, comprising three rings: one with a calligraphic inscription, one with a hexagonal bezel with remains of niello, and one with the bezel divided into two fields. 24.9 grams total, 21-27 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK -
Old Babylonian Cylinder Seal with Two Standing Figures
2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £600
Representing a god in short mantle and round cap with upturned brim, holding a mace in his left hand, before him a goddess standing in a horned crown and kaunakes, her hands raised in supplication; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 8.96 grams, 27 mm
Ex Mr J.K. collection, USA. Acquired from the above, 1997. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12581-232131.
The seals of the First Isin Dynasty were much more varied than those just preceding the Third Dynasty of Ur. Often the chief god - probably Shamash - is standing, and the 'introducing' goddess is facing him, while the worshipper is not pictured. The seals are a mine for the understanding of the old Babylonian costume. The tunic of the female goddess here is made of tufted material that the Greeks called kaunakes, the weave of which imitated the effect of the earlier sheepskin costumes.
