Loading, please wait...

Old Babylonian Cylinder Seal with Two Standing Figures Old Babylonian Cylinder Seal with Two Standing Figures Old Babylonian Cylinder Seal with Two Standing Figures
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Details

LOT 0218

Old Babylonian Cylinder Seal with Two Standing Figures

2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.

1 1/8 in. (8.96 grams, 27 mm).

Representing a god in short mantle and round cap with upturned brim, holding a mace in his left hand, before him a goddess standing in a horned crown and kaunakes, her hands raised in supplication; accompanied by a museum-quality impression.

Provenance

Ex Mr J.K. collection, USA.
Acquired from the above, 1997.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12581-232131.
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.

Literature

Cf. Eisen G.A., Ancient oriental cylinder and other seals with a description of the collection of Mrs. William H. Moore, Chicago, 1942, no.64, for a similar seal from the Old Babylonian Empire.

Footnotes

The seals of the First Isin Dynasty were much more varied than those just preceding the Third Dynasty of Ur. Often the chief god - probably Shamash - is standing, and the 'introducing' goddess is facing him, while the worshipper is not pictured. The seals are a mine for the understanding of the old Babylonian costume. The tunic of the female goddess here is made of tufted material that the Greeks called kaunakes, the weave of which imitated the effect of the earlier sheepskin costumes.

CONDITION
VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process


AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0218

Old Babylonian Cylinder Seal with Two Standing Figures

Estimate £1,500 - 2,000€1,740 - 2,320 (for guidance only)$2,030 - 2,700 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Western Asiatic Style Gemstone with Inscribed Sun and Lion
    Western Asiatic Style Gemstone with Inscribed Sun and Lion
    20th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £39

    Polished carnelian plaque with incised Šir-o Xoršid symbol of the Iranian state. 21.3 grams, 77 mm



    Private collection, London, UK. 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.

    Lot Details

  • Western Asiatic Stone Macehead
    Western Asiatic Stone Macehead
    3rd-2nd millennium B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £117

    Piriform with vertical socket expanding towards the narrower end. 446 grams, 7 cm



    From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman, 1990s. 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.

    Lot Details

  • Amlash Terracotta Vessel
    Amlash Terracotta Vessel
    1st millennium B.C.

    Estimate: £60 - 80 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £5

    Comprising a piriform body and trumpet-shaped narrow neck, flat base. 398 grams, 21.8 cm



    From a Mayfair gallery 1990s. Ex London, UK, collection. 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.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list