LOT 0231

Neo Babylonian Chalcedony Stamp Seal with Worshipper and Prancing Bull

5TH-4TH CENTURY B.C.

3/4 in. (6.33 grams, 20.92 mm).

Discoid in plan with convex upper face; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Amber Chalcedony 21 x 19 x 11 mm. This is a scaraboid pieced vertically. The design shows a standing worshipper in long robe raising one hand to a stand on which is a prancing bull on the back of which rises a pole surmounted with a lunar crescent. The stand is covered with wavey lines. This is a Late Babylonian seal, c. 600-350 B.C. from Mesopotamia or an adjacent area. The general design is typical for the period, but the stand with wavey lines and the prancing bull are rare and may be unique to this seal. The seal is worn and there is a chip by the head of the worshipper, but the design is entirely clear'; accompanied by a museum-quality impression.

with Christie's, London, 13 June 2000, no.517 [Part].

Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in July 2000.
Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.