Neo-Sumerian Haematite Cylinder Seal with Presentation Scene

A panel of twelve glazed pictorial tiles in vibrant colours depicting a battle scene from the epic poem 'Shahnameh', written during the reign of Sultan Mahmoud Ghaznavi (979-1030 A.D). and presented to him by the poet Ferdowsi, with two warriors on horseback fighting with swords, four trumpeters above and wounded figures and discarded arms below; with three small cartouches of nastaʿlīq script inscription at top; the tiles set with ornamental studs at intersections; all mounted within a substantial part-gilt wooden frame for hanging or display. 24.5 kg, 87 x 68.5 cm



Ex Habib Anavian Galleries Ltd, New York, USA. with Mahboubian Gallery, London, UK. Accompanied by the original 1979 catalogue where this piece is published. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12129-217321.

With a crescentic polished body, head with drilled eyes and slit mouth, pierced through the raised median collar. 11.2 grams, 56 mm



Collected from 1970-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.

Modelled in the round male figure wearing a knee-length kilt with hem and waistband; in advancing pose with left leg extended; the neck long, face with pinched detailing and deep sockets to the eyes (to accept inlays); conical cap with flattened apex; the shoulders modelled with shallow sockets to accept separate arms; mounting lug beneath left foot; mounted on a custom-made stand. 108 grams total, 12.7 cm including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.