Loading, please wait...

Mitanni Hematite Cylinder Seal with Griffin Attacking Quadruped Mitanni Hematite Cylinder Seal with Griffin Attacking Quadruped Mitanni Hematite Cylinder Seal with Griffin Attacking Quadruped
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Details

LOT 0213

Mitanni Hematite Cylinder Seal with Griffin Attacking Quadruped

1500-1200 B.C.

3/4 in. (6.2 grams, 19 mm).

With animals and standing figure, restrung pair of red stone beads, old handwritten label '1614'; 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, 19.5.x9.5 mm. The design consists of one item occupying the full height of the space, the other items being in effect in two registers. The human figure is full-height, wearing a robe to the ground, holding one hand to the waist, the other up. The lower register consists mainly of two recumbent horned animals, each facing backwards towards a sacred- tree. To the right is a smaller quadruped, to the left a rosette and star. Above a griffin is attacking a quadruped, while behind. The griffin is another quadruped, but horned and recumbent. This seal is Mitanni Elaborate Style, c. 1500-1200 B.C. from Syria or north Mesopotamia. It is cut, as normal for this type of seal, mainly with the cutting wheel and drill, and is a fine example of its kind.'; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. [No Reserve]

Provenance

UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983.

Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in 1991.
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.

CONDITION
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 0213

Mitanni Hematite Cylinder Seal with Griffin Attacking Quadruped

Sold for (Inc. bp): £650

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • West Central Asian Bronze Star-Shaped Stamp Seal
    West Central Asian Bronze Star-Shaped Stamp Seal
    Circa 2300-2000 B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £117

    With segmented face and pierced lug handle; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: ' Stamp Seal of Bronze. 39x41x8 mm. This has the shape of a seven-pointed star marked on the convex back as if seven petals around the central loop handle. The face is flat and has a design engraved into it. The interpretation of the design is not completely sure, but it seems to involve an eagle, perhaps carrying off prey. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is a rare type and the design is fascinating. The metal has been conserved and the piece is in very good condition.' 18.5 grams, 41 mm



    From the collection of the late Mr S, 1970-1990s. 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. 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.

    Lot Details

  • Syro-Hittite Lead Fertility Idol
    Syro-Hittite Lead Fertility Idol
    2nd millennium B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £780

    A plaque depicting a stylised man and woman conjoined at hips, flanking a small child holding their legs, the woman with large head and long hair, holding her breasts, the man wearing a loin cloth and conical headdress, holding the woman by the arm. 30 grams, 70 mm

    Fine condition.

    Ex property of a Dutch gentleman; formerly in an old Dutch collection formed in the 1970s. From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent. 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.

    Lot Details

  • Western Asiatic Terracotta Zoomorphic Vessel with Glass Inlays
    Western Asiatic Terracotta Zoomorphic Vessel with Glass Inlays
    8th-9th century A.D.

    Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £250

    Broad and squat with flared foot, loop handle, all U-section spout and strainer; raised bosses to shoulder each set with a glass inlay; reserved tendrils and flowers on a black field. 717 grams, 31.5 cm



    UK collection, 1990s. Acquired on the UK art market, before 2000. Private collection, Mr M.V., a London-based businessman. 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.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list