Large Western Asiatic Black Stone Stamp Seal with Animal

Frieze depicting a standing winged deity advancing above a hunting dog perpendicular, small attendant to the rear holding a vessel beside a standing gryphon, second crouching figure above; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.43 grams, 21.97 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Crescent plaque with granulated inner borders and radiating triangles of granulation surrounded by a band of nineteen spheres, representing pomegranates, each with a filigree collar above and below, the outer band consisting of smaller spheres with a granulated pyramidal finial, at the centre a teardrop-shaped garnet cabochon set in a cell with a granulated border flanked by spirals. 13.55 grams, 51 mm



Ex David Lindhal, London, UK, in the 1990s. From a privately held London, UK, collection from the 1980s-1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13267-253966.

Fruits were generally considered to be a symbol of sensuality, temptation and fertility; the giving and accepting of fruit may be regarded as a symbolic sexual act, or at least a prelude to marriage. It follows naturally that the pomegranate, with its innumerable fleshy seeds symbolising life and fecundity, was an attribute of Aphrodite.

Lozengiform in plan, with a dense, grooved geometric pattern. 5.49 grams, 27.39 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.