Large Sasanian Agate Stamp Seal

With squat profile, broad shoulder, wide neck and flared rim; strap handle with thumb-pad to the rim; bands of reserved tendrils on a hatched field. 818 grams, 18.5 cm



UK collection, 1990s. Acquired on the UK art market, before 2000. Private collection, Mr M.V., a London-based businessman.

With incuse frieze; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Cylinder seal of hematite, 19 x 9.5 mm., condition good. Three standing figures: to the right a standing god with horned tiara, holding a scimitar in the left hand, the right clasped at the waist; facing him a standing goddess holding a spouting jar, above her a fish perhaps with lion's face; to the left a god with short dress holding up a shepherd's crook. Old Babylonian, c. 1800-1600 B.C., but probably from northern Mesopotamia. The god with the crook is Amurru, god of shepherding. The other two cannot be identified.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.9 grams, 18 mm



Mr K. Kobayashi, Osaka, Japan, prior to 1992. Accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1992.

A matching pair of large black bangles with polychrome highlights. 84 grams total, 94-98 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. From an important North West London, UK, collection. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman.