Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0246
Mesopotamian Black Stone Cylinder Seal with Healing Scene
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
1 1/2 in. (33.9 grams, 39 mm).
With intaglio frieze depicting two tall robed female figures with a sun-disc in mid-air between them and with a smaller figure holding a spear, to the rear a fruit-bearing tree and a third tall figure holding a long tool or weapon; border formed with three vertical lines and a row of triangles; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
Provenance
From a Cotswold, UK, collection; as seen and catalogued by the late Professor Wilfrid George Lambert pre 1990.
Accompanied by a previous catalogue information slip.
VETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0246
Mesopotamian Black Stone Cylinder Seal with Healing Scene
Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
RELATED LOTS
-
Western Asiatic Gold Pendant with Banded Agate Bead
8th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Comprising a barrel-shaped banded agate bead suspended vertically with a loop and collar above; a gold fusiform pendant below. 1.05 grams, 23 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
The pendant structure shows affinities with three beads of a necklace from Kition (MLA 1742/34, 6, 7) made of high carat gold-alloy, and obtained by joining two hemispheres, each one embossed out of thick plate. The upper hemisphere is pierced at the top, where a small round suspension loop is inserted and fused. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Howling Dog Figure
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Modelled in the round with sinuous body, head raised and mouth open; possibly the bridge from a stringed instrument; mounted on a custom-made stand. 99 grams total, 52 mm including stand
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Rhyton Bull Head
Early 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,080
Hollow-formed head of a bull with short curved horns, large bulbous eyes, lateral scooped ears, short muzzle with flared nostrils, dewlap beneath; possibly from a rhyton; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 1.3 kg total, 22 cm high including stand
Excellent condition, very rare.
Acquired between 1980-1983. From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12019-213616.
The rhyton was dipped into a krater and held above the drinker's mouth with the spout covered by a thumb, then opened to release a stream of wine into the mouth. The bull was a symbol of man’s control over the nature. Not only were these heads used to serve wine in the banquets, but they were also destined to hold blood from sacrificial animals, that was collected and then poured on the ground as a libation.