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.

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 0183