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LOT 0189
Neo-Assyrian Grey Stone Cylinder Seal with Kneeling God
CIRCA 900-800 B.C.
1 1/2 in. (8.7 grams, 39 mm).
With a god shooting a sphinx; accompanied by a museum quality impression and 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 Grey Stone, 39 x 12. Top and bottom borders are filled with rows of chevrons going in opposite directions, and the design between a kneeling god shooting at a facing sphynx with a bird's head. As filling motifs there are: a small tree or plant, a lozenge, a triangle and a crescent. At each end the stone is stained by remains of original bronze caps, and the bronze bar which ran through the central hole is still present, though the rest of the metal, save for traces, has disappeared. This is a Neo-Assyrian cylinder, c. 900-800 B.C., from Assyria itself, or from neighbouring areas.'
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a North American lady, formed 1970s-early 1990s, with collection reference no.P16.
Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert dated February 1992 and an old photograph.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0189
Neo-Assyrian Grey Stone Cylinder Seal with Kneeling God
Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
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Large Sumerian Shell Bangle
4th-3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Creamy-white annular panel, domed in section. 132 grams, 12.3 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. -
Achaemenid Gold Appliques Depicting Winged Lions
5th-4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
Comprising seven circular mounts, each with a repoussé winged lion, depicted in a seated pose with its head turned, pierced thrice through the outer rim. 1.92 grams total, 15 mm each
Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, UK.
Gold held immense significance in the Achaemenid Empire, not only as a symbol of wealth and divine favour but also as a practical medium for art, currency, and royal regalia. It was used in architectural decoration, lavish court objects, jewellery, and ceremonial ware, often reflecting the empire’s vast wealth and cosmopolitan reach. Among the prominent motifs in Achaemenid art is the lion-griffin—a mythical creature combining the body of a lion with the wings of an eagle. This powerful image, frequently seen in gold appliqués, seals, and metalwork, conveyed themes of imperial power, protection, and control over both terrestrial and celestial realms. The lion-griffin stood as an emblem of dominance and guardianship, befitting the grandeur of Persia’s imperial ideology. -
Abbasid Three-Colour Lustre Pottery Bowl Group
10th century A.D.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £576
Of rounded form on short foot with everted lip, each with hatched decoration on the reverse; one with stylised palmettes on dense dotted and hatched ground; the other with radial composition with floral branches; restored. 598 grams total, 18-19.2 cm
with Christie's, South Kensington, Art & Textiles of The Islamic & Indian Worlds, 8 April 2011, no.142. Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12723-235153.
