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LOT 0218
Large Kassite Chalcedony Cylinder Seal for the God Samnuha from Samsanu
16TH-12TH CENTURY B.C.
1 3/4 in. (22.66 grams, 46 mm).
Pierced longitudinally, incised with four columns of cuneiform script in a rectangular frame with one character outside, translating to: 'To the god Samnuha, great lord, Samsanu, sha reshi-official, for the life of [the king] Samnuha-shar-ilani, his Lord, he made and gave (this seal)'; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenancePrivate collection, acquired before 1993; thence by descent.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13214-249317.
Cf. similar but a more elaborate item in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, under object no.1985.357.29; see also Konstantopoulos, G., ‘Inscribed Kassite Cylinder Seals in the Metropolitan Museum’ in Metropolitan Museum Journal, 53, 2018, pp.96-113, figs.1-14.
FootnotesSeveral styles of seal-carving are known from the Kassite period. Kassite period artists often drew upon the rich historical traditions of Mesopotamia. In this case, the long-dead Sumerian language and archaic signs were used to write the inscription.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0218
Large Kassite Chalcedony Cylinder Seal for the God Samnuha from Samsanu
Sold for (Inc. bp): £9,100
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Western Asiatic Bone Idol Group
2nd century B.C.-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Each plano-convex in section with heavily scored detailing; one repaired. 8.82 grams total, 46.51-46.64 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Western Asiatic Miniature Schist Vessel
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
Tubular in form with flared foot and mouth, lateral lug handles. 10.75 grams, 35.49 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
West Central Asian Bronze Stamp Seal with Cross
Circa 2300-2000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Circular stamp seal with segmented face; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Silver 45 x 45 x 19 mm. This is round with notched outer edge, flat face and flat back on which is mounted a handle of inverted U-shape. The design is compartmented and consists of kind of four-armed cross with four small circles at its centre and more (drilled) circles along the arms, which diminish in width toward the edges. This comes from West Central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is heavy and generally in good condition. The incrustation on the surface could be removed.' 67.1 grams, 45.5 mm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. Accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor W.G. Lambert with reference no.W.861.
