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_900x900.jpg "Large Middle Elamite Cylinder Seal of Kidnu, Chief Overseer of King Tan-Ruhurater II")
_200x200.jpg "Large Middle Elamite Cylinder Seal of Kidnu, Chief Overseer of King Tan-Ruhurater II")
.jpg "Large Middle Elamite Cylinder Seal of Kidnu, Chief Overseer of King Tan-Ruhurater II")
LOT 0197
Large Middle Elamite Cylinder Seal of Kidnu, Chief Overseer of King Tan-Ruhurater II
CIRCA 1450 B.C.
1 1/2 in. (23.8 grams, 39 mm).
A high-status green chalcedony seal with frieze depicting a seated figure in horned headdress facing a standing figure with arms outstretched, small monkey to the legs; six columns of Akkadian cuneiform text transliterated as:
1. ki-di-nu UGULA KUŠ-MEŠ
2. GAL šà tan-dru-hu-
3. ra-te-er EŠŠANA šu-ši
4. u an-za-an ARAD 5. šà dha-te-ri-iš
6. šak(?) ì-lí-šu 'Kidinu, chief overseer of the equerries(?) of Tan-Ruhurater, King of Susa and Anzan, servant of Haterishshak, his god'.
The seal's owner was an official of King Tan-Ruhurater II (circa 1450 B.C.), king of Susa and Anzan. The title used to describe Kidinu is sometimes translated 'high official', elsewhere 'horse groom' or 'animal trainer'; the Elamite deity Haterish is otherwise unknown.
From a Mayfair gallery, London, UK; previously acquired in the 1980s.
Property of a North London lady; gifted from her father's collection.
From a collection acquired from various auction houses in the UK.
From the estate of Mr R.W., a private Wiltshire, UK, collector; thence by descent.
Accompanied by a copy of a specialist academic report dated June 2017.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12122-215563.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0197
Large Middle Elamite Cylinder Seal of Kidnu, Chief Overseer of King Tan-Ruhurater II
Sold for (Inc. bp): £15,600
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Mesopotamian Hardstone Cylinder Seal
Circa 2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
The singe frieze consisting of two standing figures with column-like skirts, rounded torsos and heads, arms and feet simply etched; the figures separated by three round dimples interspersed with star-motifs; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 4.4 grams, 26 mm
From the property of late Mr SM, London, UK, 1969-1999. Accompanied by an old collection ticket. -
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Early Dynastic Cylinder Seal with Worshipping Parade
Circa 2550-2350 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £650
Haematite cylinder seal featuring two horizontal registers with worshipping parades comprising long-robed male priests wearing ankle-length garments, seated on the stool-shaped throne, elegantly raising their left hands to hold a cup; other male priests in long garments either holding a vessel containing holy water or oil, or standing in a solemn gesture with hands raised or clasped in front of their chests. 5.26 grams, 32 mm
Acquired in the 1990s. Ex West London family collection. Property of a Bristol, UK, gentleman.
Iconographies and religious scenes seen on Early Dynastic seals are renowned for the further elaborations that depict contesting scenes, usually portraying nude heroes confronting bull-men or rampant, roaring lions. However, animals and heroes were not employed as the favourite motifs during the last part of the Early Dynastic period. Increased popularity of funerary art and banquets were richly practised in Ur, given an ample amount of royal cylinder seals that bear banquet or seated-king related scenes. On Early Dynastic cylinder seals, the image of a seated male figure holding a cup cannot always be interpreted with an extender divinity. It might have suggested a ruler's identity within a royal banquet scene. However, on this seal, the holy vessel and the representations of male worshippers indicate a clear religious significance. Within the traditional Mesopotamian religion, secular kings would have obtained divine power if they had engaged with the goddess Inanna during a sacred marriage. The cup, containing holy ointment or oil, held in the king's hand, might have been as an emblem to signify the elevated rank of a deified king. It might also have been used as an alternative religious practice, connecting the secular authority and the divine power during the Early Dynastic period. -
Nabataean Decorated Red Pottery Dish
Circa 3rd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Broad and of low conical profile with inturned carinated rim, basal ring; painted pattern of fronds and pellets. 97 grams, 13 cm
From an important collection of terracotta pre 1988, London and Geneva.
