Neo-Assyrian Stone Grotesque Face Pendant

Barrel-shaped with broad central hole; engraved to the outer face with a 'Gayomard' figure holding spears in his extended hands; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 23.5 grams, 30 mm



with Christie's, London, 21 April 1999, no.11. From the 'Empire' collection, an important UK private collection of seals, no.19 Accompanied by a copy of an old typed cataloguing page signed by A D H Bivar. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12127-217086.

Comprising: an Akkadian example with a heroic scene carved in shell, accompanied by 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 White Marble, 18 x 10 mm. The design shows hero in the middle, succouring on either side a domestic quadruped on its hind legs, each being attacked by a lion. This is an Akkadian seal from Mesopotamia or West Iran, c. 2300-2200 B.C. The surface is somewhat worn.'; a haematite seal engraved with a walking dog or wolf with three stars above, rosette to the back; a carnelian seal engraved with a group of worshippers wearing long robes and Median caps, tree motif to the back. 7.62 grams total, 13-18 mm



The first property of a London gentleman; part of his family collection since the 1970s. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the 1980s. The other examples the property of a London gentleman; acquired before 1995. 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. Accompanied by a original typed and signed scholarly note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993.

Carved with four outward-facing figures on a plinth, with their hands clasped at the chest. 11.2 grams, 36 mm



Acquired in the 1960s-1970s. From the private collection of N.S. and A.L., Bavaria, Germany. Acquired from Gorny and Mosch, Munich, 12 December 2015, no.855 (Part). Property of a French collector.