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LOT 1265
Mitannian Cylinder Seal with Hero Scene
EARLY 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
1 in. (14.1 grams, 26 mm).
Haematite with a robed figure with beard and cap facing a robed female(?) with hands raised, rosette between their faces and rings below; a tall winged figure grasping an ibex by the rear legs and a small human by one arm, above an advancing lion; a facing hero grasping the forelegs of a griffin with a kneeling figure between and winged solar disc above, chipped. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the Rihani family collection, formed 1970-1980s.
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.
Cf. Collon, D., First Impressions. Cylinder Seals in the Ancient Near East, London, 2005, item 275, for type.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Bactrian Veined Marble Weight
2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
Conical in profile with flat base and U-shaped channel through the apex. 9.35 kg, 18 cm
Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. -
Western Asiatic Mixed Necklace Bead and Pendant Group
1st millennium B.C. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £104
Including fusiform, tubular, oblate and other types in various materials. 172 grams total, 5-53 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Sassanian Carnelian Stamp Seal
3rd-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Composed of a small plano-convex body engraved with a ritualistic figure or symbol to the base; drilled for suspension. 1.19 grams, 10 mm
UK gallery, early 2000s.
According to some scholars, these seals originated as brands for cattle and contain elaborated hereditary notes. According to others they could represent monograms or Neshan (rank badges) or rank insignia. The crescent can be also associated with Zoroastrian shrines.