Details

LOT 0250

Mesopotamian Haematite Cylinder Seal with Standing Figures

1900-1600 B.C.

5/8 in. (3.30 grams, 16 mm).

Cylinder with standing figures and animals, with red stone bead; 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 Hematite, 16 x 8.5 mm. The scene consists of four standing figures. Two face each other: a god in a short kilt and holding a mace at his waist while wearing a Gudea-type hat. Facing him is another god in a long robe raising one hand and extending the other. The other two figures both have frontal faces. The one, nude save for a double-stranded belt, holds both hands at the waist. The other wears a loin-cloth with hanging-down end and grasps a stick in one hand. There are three fillers: monkey, human head, and bird. This seal is from North-Western Mesopotamia, c. 1900-1600 B.C., and is a rare type. The state of preservation is good.'; accompanied by a museum quality impression.

Provenance

Anonymous French sale.
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.