Large Western Asiatic Qajar Style Openwork Iron Pen Box

Plano-convex in profile with gusset to the rim; underside: central panel with geometric design, hieroglyphic text to the border; obverse: central tondo with hieroglyphs, beaded ring and geometric border; transverse piercing; an important piece. 13.4 grams, 23 mm



From a London, UK, private collection.

The so-called 'Hittite hieroglyphs' encode texts in the Luwian language of Asia Minor. Hieroglyphic Luwian is a native script, also known as 'Anatolian hieroglyphs', which was used on official or royal seals and a few monumental inscriptions.

Carved in the round, bottle-sjaped with ribbed band of hair or fur, ring-and-dot eyes. 2.93 grams, 20 mm



Private collection, England.

With two rows of human and animal figures; accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Description of Cylinder Seal of Hematite, 20 x 11 mm. Main scene, upper register: goddess exposing herself and holding up plant to far right, before her a human in garment with thick edges, facing these two, three Lammas with both hands raised and a star above their raised hands. Main scene, lower register: nude female between two lions, same nude female between two frontally depicted beardless figures. Minor scene: two seated drinkers, pot of beer with two straws between them; a row of four walking humans; spiral pattern between. Horizontal rules separate some of the groups. Syria, c. 1900-1700 B.C. Condition: some wear and a little chipping at the bottom, but mostly in good condition.'; accompanied by a museum quality impression and a pair of red stone beads. 5.75 grams, 19.80 mm



Private collection, London, UK. Accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993.