Neo-Babylonian Chalcedony Stamp Seal with Horned Ibex

Cylinder with figures and inscription, restrung red stone bead to each end; 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: 'Description of Cylinder Seal of Hematite, 29.5 x 14.5 mm. The original art work consists of a pair of standing figures: a Lamma goddess to the right, with both hands raised, wearing a horned tiara of divinity and a long flounced dress reaching to the feet, and facing her the god with mace, wearing a Gudes-type hat, a role which reaches to the knees, and holding a mace at the waist with his right hand. Between them in the sky is a combined sun disk and lunar crescent. A third figure to the far right is out in a different style, and was added a century or two later. It shows a standing god with projections from his headdress and holding up a long rod in his right hand. His robes reach a little above the feet. There is a three line cuneiform inscription: 'Du-Enkika, son of Iddin-Sin, servant of (the god) Enki". The inscription identifies the owner. This is an Old Babylonian seal, either from southern Iraq or from the closest parts of south west Iran, such as Susa. It dates to c. 1900-1700 B.C. and is out in the fine detailed best style of the period. After 1700 B.C., until about 1500, there existed a simplified style, using especially the mechanical tools possessed by the craftsmen of the day, namely the drill and cutting wheel. The cutting wheel was used to supply the extra figure, and this was with reasonable certainty done in Iran, not Mesopotamia. The projecting hat and the rod are paralleled in seals from Susa, see P. Amiet, Glyptique Susienne nos. 1748, 1755, for the hat, and nos. 1748, 1749, 1756 for the rod.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 19.8 grams total, seal: 28.8 mm



Private collection, London UK. Accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1991. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13467-262421.

The Old Babylonian style produced several relatively simple yet sometimes ornate designs, some quite early but many more probably of the first half of the 18th century B.C., especially from the time of Hammurabi.

Rectangular in profile with spur to each upper angle; high-relief reserved epigraphic text in ten lines with void at lower centre; dedicated to the god Dhu-Samāwī by Ẓabiyum Yarḥab, under the Reign of King Rabbīshamsum Nimrān; mounted on a custom-made stand. 2.03 kg total, 28 x 18.6 cm (34.5 cm high including stand)



Ex Robin Marshal-Carter, Adelaide, South Australia, 1970. Private collection, London, UK. Accompanied by a full transliteration and translation into modern English. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12697-235195.

From the temple of Yaghrū consecrated to the god dhu-Samāwī, in the wādī 'l-Shudayf in northern Yemen.

Rectangular in profile with carved detailing; obverse with a standing figure in ankle-length robe, bearded head turned; dividing rib beside an advancing lion with mouth open; reverse scene with perching bird and other items; pierced vertically for mounting. 97 grams, 64 mm



Ex the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1970s-1990s. Accompanied by a previously illustrated catalogue card with provenance.