Details

LOT 0248

Mitanni Haematite Cylinder Seal with Figures and Animals

CIRCA 1500-1200 B.C.

1 in. (7.98 mm, 24 mm).

With animals and figures; 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. 24 x 10 mm. The design is based on the principle of symetry. In the centre are two reared-up composite animals: bodies of quadrupeds, but wings and heads of birds. Beneath them is a human figure on one knee, nude save for belt around the waist, holding out both hands, each hand over a bird. To either side of this group is a standing man, in short kilt, the one on the right holding one hand at the waist, holding down the other. The one on the left is raising one hand but holding down the other. Above the scene is a vulture with wings spread, and to each side of it a scorpion above a 'flying saucer'. A geometrical figure (two triangles with points meeting) alone straddles the division of the scene. This is a Mitanni seal, c. 1500-1200 B.C., from any part of the area from the eastern Mediterranean to Kurdistan. It is an unusual design, and fine quality work. The piece is in good state of preservation.'; accompanied by a museum quality impression and a pair of red stone beads.

Provenance

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.