Late Parthian to Early Sasanian Bronze Seal with Bust

With rounded edges, obverse with an incised grid and dense cuneiform text across about half the available surface; reverse with remains of two columns of text; both ends absent. 95 grams, 61 mm



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.

D-shaped in profile with void below the curved edge, obverse with reserved serpent and lion opposed, the lion's claw grasping the serpent; reverse with spread eagle flanked by rearing serpents; all bodies with sockets to accept coloured inserts; mounted on a custom-made stand. 2.95 kg total,18.5 cm (22.5 cm including stand)



with Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, Tel Aviv, 1960s. Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. London, UK, collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.12774-237878.

The object could have been carried or swung in ceremonies or processions. On one side is a bird of prey, with its claws surrounded by the writhing bodies of two serpents, whose heads flank the bird's head. This symmetrical scheme probably renders a version of the enmity of eagle and serpent, which must have been an important theme of ancient Iranian art; the motif was later diffused throughout the world.

Hollow-formed as a beast-head, conical in plan with open muzzle flanked by tusks, raised almond-shaped eyes and bridle bands, segmented band to the brow, two lateral curved horns; rear face with two birds and loop above the aperture. 189 grams, 83 mm wide



Ex London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s. Private collection, London, UK.