Mesopotamian Stone Cylinder Seal with Banquet Scene

Comprising: an Akkadian example with a heroic scene carved in shell, accompanied by 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 White Marble, 18 x 10 mm. The design shows hero in the middle, succouring on either side a domestic quadruped on its hind legs, each being attacked by a lion. This is an Akkadian seal from Mesopotamia or West Iran, c. 2300-2200 B.C. The surface is somewhat worn.'; a haematite seal engraved with a walking dog or wolf with three stars above, rosette to the back; a carnelian seal engraved with a group of worshippers wearing long robes and Median caps, tree motif to the back. 7.62 grams total, 13-18 mm



The first property of a London gentleman; part of his family collection since the 1970s. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the 1980s. The other examples the property of a London gentleman; acquired before 1995. From a collection acquired from various auction houses in the UK. From the estate of Mr R.W., a private Wiltshire, UK, collector; thence by descent. Accompanied by a original typed and signed scholarly note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993.

With drinking scenes; accompanied by 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 Translucent Greenstone / 31 x 12 mm. The engraved area is divided into two registers by a double line. Above is a drinking scene: two seated drinkers, each with a large ot of beer, and between the pots a standing servant. Below is a contest scene: two crossed lions molest each a horned animal. The horned animal on the left is upended, and is succoured by a hero. This comes from Mesopotamia and dates to c. 2400-2200 B.C. It is nicely engraved and in excellent state of preservation.' 8.09 grams, 31 mm



Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. From a collection acquired from various auction houses in the UK. From the estate of Mr R.W., a private Wiltshire, UK, collector; thence by descent. Accompanied by an original typed and signed scholarly note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993.

Of squat profile with rounded rim, two latera; stub handles and band of pointillé ornament below the rim. 1.21 kg, 29.5 cm wide



From an important collection of terracotta pre 1988, London and Geneva.