Neo-Assyrian Buff Steatite Cylinder Seal with Trees

Carved as a seated human figure, body with rows of overlapping tufts of fur, set with a bald head carved from cream stone with semi-naturalistic detailing to the face; a separate wig with wavy hair, and separately modelled hands. 540 grams total, 95 mm high



Palace Galleries, New York, early 2000s. Acquired by the current owner from the above. Private collection of a North American lady. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13372-256950.

This wonderful composite stone sculpture of a seated female figure with finely carved features is typical of the area of Bactria-Margiana, from the late 3rd to early 2nd millennium B.C. Among the few three-dimensional images assigned to this period in Central Asia are a group of stone female figures seated or squatting on a platform and wearing a pattern-decorated robe, perhaps imitating sheep's fleece.

Carved in the round as a standing female on a baseline; the hair drawn up into tight buns on either side of the head, high collar beneath the chin, hands cupping the breasts, voluminous robe covering the lower body and legs; probably Anahita. 12.6 grams, 58 mm



Believed to have been acquired at Bonhams, circa 2010. Private collection, UK.

Anahita is often depicted with exaggerated thighs, as on this figure.

The majority of a pillow-shaped tablet with impressed cuneiform text on three sides and a cylinder seal impression on the short face. 214 grams, 76 mm



Private collection, 1980s. UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert. Accompanied by an original handwritten slip written by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert.