Mesopotamian Stone Seal with Engraved Design

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: 'Cylinder Seal of Hematite, 26.5 x 15 mm. The design consists of two pairs of figures. The one consists of two standing figures: the one on the right is a deity, whether male or female is not clear, wearing a smooth hat and a long robe open at the front from which one leg projects. One hand is held at the waist, the other grasps a scimitar. Facing is a nude male figure holding a small bucket in one hand and a small vessel in the other, apparently to sprinkle water from the bucket. It is not known if this figures is meant as a human priest or a minor god. Between this pair in the sky are three dots. The other pair consists of a victor wearing dress that only reaches the knees. His feet are apart, and his one raised hand holds a weapon, while in the other is a seven-fold item, either meant as a revolving weapon, or as a 'multiple club'. (Some have suggested that it is a sling.) The victor's victim is kneeling, and turns back to face his oppressor and plead with raised arm. The victor's one foot rests on the leg of the victim so that he cannot escape. The identity of this victor is so far unknown. This seal is Old Babylonian, from southern Iraq or a neighbouring area, and dates from c. 1900 - 1700 B.C. Though there is some wear and corrosion, the whole design is clear.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 15.9 grams, 26 mm



UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in July 1990. 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 Cornelian, 20 x 11 mm. On the right a deity is seated on a throne with a high back decorated with sparkling knobs. This deity holds an unidentified object in one hand while raising the other. Facing stands a worshiper raising the right hand with index finger extended, extending the left and with palm cupped. Between the two figures is a fire-bowl raised on a pole with fire burning in the pan. Three filling motifs serve as a terminal: the lunar crescent, a lozenge-shape, and a fish. This is a Neo-Assyrian seal in late drilled style. c. 750-600 B.C.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 4.11 grams, 19 mm



From the private collection of a North American lady, formed 1970s-early 1990s, with collection reference no.P1. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert dated March 1992. 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.

Plano-convex in section with moulded offering scene depicting a man advancing to his left whilst holding out an animal, probably a goat, with four protruding legs; mounted on a custom-made stand. 116 grams total, 10.7 cm high (13.5 cm high including stand)



Acquired 1970s-1980s. Ex Paul S. Forbes collection, Maryland, USA. 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.

Terracotta plaques of this sort were mass- produced from moulds and represented a form of art available to a wide audience. They have been excavated in temples as well as in household shrines and private homes, and give us a mysterious glimpse into religious practices and the ideas that people valued. Their subject matter varies widely, including religious images, mythological and erotic scenes, and representations of rulers and gods.