Large Western Asiatic Silver-Coloured Metal Ring with Chrysoprase Calligraphic Gemstone

Hemispherical in profile with narrow rim, frieze of perching birds in relief, each with a pellet eye, stub beak, large comma-shaped hatched wing and leg held horizontally beneath the body; rim chipped. 273 grams, 11.2 cm



with Holy Lands House, Israel, 1960s. Private collection, 2005. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.12595-232195. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The chlorite stone vessels of early Bactria were kidney-shaped vessels with simple geometric decoration or, like our specimen, semi-circular. Small cylindrical vases were used as cosmetic containers, together with chlorite cosmetic flasks.

Cylinder with cord and bead handles; 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 White/Cream Stone, 15 x 9.5 mm. Seated figure in flounced dress faces a standing figure in flounced dress with right hand raised in greeting and left hand gripping wrist of similarly dressed figure behind. There is a base-line, but no upper rule. Inscription (owner's name) : tá-at-ku-ma-ma = Tatku-Mamma. This is a north- or west-Mesopotamian rendering of the Ur III presentation scene. In the Ur III examples the seated deity meets a human being introduced by a minor deity, but in this case all three figures are similarly dressed. The seated deity holds up a piece of plant for identification, perhaps marking him as the Syrian storm god Addu. The date must be c. 2000-1900 B.C. Condition: good.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.66 grams, 15 mm



UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in October 1987. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

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: 'Cylinder Seal of Black Stone 22.5 x 12mm. The design, which is put between upper and lower rulings, shows a mounting a cow from behind as it suckles its young. A farmer stands in front holding out his hands. In the sky there is a lunar crescent and a solar disc. The stylus, symbol of the god Nabû, appears within the scene, and the spade of Marduk serves as a terminal. This is a Neo-Assyrian seal, c. 900-700 B.C. It is a rare type of Neo-Assyrian seal, but is somewhat worn.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.28 grams, 23 mm



From the private collection of a North American lady, formed 1970s-early 1990s, with collection reference no.590/1. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.