Choose Category:

Home > Auctions > 4th June 2024 > Large Middle Elamite Cylinder Seal of Kidnu, Chief Overseer of King Tan-Ruhurater II

Print page | Email lot to a friend

Back to previous page


Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Gallery loading...

LOT 0197

Sold for (Inc. bp): £15,600

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.

PROVENANCE:
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.

CONDITION
VETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.