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LOT 1239
Old Babylonian Haematite Cylinder Seal
EARLY 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
1/2 in. (1.98 grams, 14 mm).
With frieze of three standing figures wearing floor-length robes with starburst and post between.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1239
Old Babylonian Haematite Cylinder Seal
Estimate £300 - 400€350 - 460 (for guidance only)$410 - 540 (for guidance only)
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Western Asiatic Bronze Ram's Head Fitting from a Whetstone
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Comprising a barrel-shaped collar with raised corrugated rim to each end; flat-section curved neck with beast-head finial, incised circular eyes, long curved horns. 115 grams total, 84 mm 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. -
Seljuk Standing Stone Lion
12th-13th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £90
Modelled in the round, front and back paws formed as a one block, pierced lug to the back. 57.5 grams, 57 mm
with a London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s.
The lion was one of the most widely used symbols in Seljuk culture. They frequently used the word aslan, meaning lion, in the names of their Sultans and statesmen, such as Alparslan, "brave lion," Aslanshah, "lion king," and Aslandogmus, "lion born." Four of the Seljuk Sultans were named Kilicarslan, which combines the words for a sword and lion, and the interest in lions is clearly reflected in the art and architecture of the Seljuk period. Lion-head water spouts are to be found at a number of caravanserais, and lion statues guarded the portals to the city of Cardak Han in Anatolia, as well as carved onto the walls of the palace at Incir Han. The lion is also to be found on the coins of Sultan Giyaseddin II. -
Sassanian Chalcedony Seal with Bust and Inscription
4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
Plano-convex seal with profile bust; accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note dated 4th August 1999 by A.D.H. (David) Bivar and a museum-quality impression: 'Sasanian Seal. About 4th to 5th century A.D. Greyish-brown chalcedony ellipsoid Sasanian portrait, r. Around, Pahlavi inscription wlwny ZY kwlyky Varūn ī Kōrīg 'V. who (is son) of K.' For the first name, the parallel Varīn is attested. For the second, we find Kōrīn as a parallel. these exact forms are previously unrecorded.' 10.9 grams, 25 mm
UK private collection, 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note dated 4th August 1999, typed and signed by A.D.H. (David) Bivar.
Bivar was a British numismatist and archaeologist, who was appointed Emeritus Professor of Iranian Studies at the SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies), University of London. Among his specialisms was the study of Sasanian seals and art.
