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LOT 1653
Large Sasanian Agate Stamp Seal
CIRCA 4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (18.52 grams, 27.58 mm).
Plano-convex in section with lightly incised geometric motif to underside. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
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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Old Babylonian Terracotta Cuneiform Tablet of a Poem
Early 2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,400
Pillow-shaped tablet with a Sumerian hymn to Sin-idinam, king of Larsa (1849-1843 BC), reading: '5-6 (the gods) granted him to exercise, in a sublime manner, kingship and the priestly office. 7-8 They made him sit upon a seat whose foundation is firm, a radiant throne ... 9-10 Once he had firmly secured the crown and the sublime radiance upon his head. 11 Sin, the firstborn son of Enlil, 12 bestowed upon him a sublime name. 13 Utu, the great judge of the universe, 14 caused law and justice to be established for him]. 15 The praise
Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992. Thence by descent to family members. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This small collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well-preserved examples. Accompanied by a translation by M. Guichard. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13269-253330.
Old Babylonian tablets were found in regular excavations from Khafaje and Kish, although, even today, the main body came from dealers. A definite date can be assigned to them only based on internal evidence. The scripts of the tablets vary a good deal: some tablets are written in archaic cursive, others in younger cursive, still others mix archaic and younger sign forms. -
Western Asiatic Bronze and Other Artefact Group
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Comprising: a stylus with herringbone decoration; an annular ring; a stylised bird mount with ring-and-dot decoration; a male head formed in three-quarter view with a slit mouth and small eyes, wearing a simple cap. 25.3 grams total, 1.7-12.4 cm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Western Asiatic Stone Scaraboid Seal Group
1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Each plano-convex in section, two with incuse design to underside. 12.07 grams total, 15-21 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
