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Details
LOT 0214
Old Babylonian Haematite Cylinder Seal
2000-1800 B.C.
1 in. (11 grams, 25 mm).
Columnar in form with frieze depicting a standing Lamma goddess in flounced robe facing towards a god wearing a pleated garment and holding a mace at his hip; disc-and-crescent motif above; behind, the storm-god Adad with one foot on a mound, wielding a lightning bolt in his raised hand.
Provenance
Private collection, Europe.
with Bonham's, London, 22 April 1999, no.538.
Acquired by the present owner from the above.
Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12538-232100.
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.
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LOT 0214
Old Babylonian Haematite Cylinder Seal
Estimate £3,000 - 4,000€3,480 - 4,640 (for guidance only)$4,050 - 5,400 (for guidance only)
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Engraved with a religious scene comprising a seated king on a throne-shaped chair, holding a cup and wearing a long garment; standing worshipper or priest before him; before them, a nude hero and a bull-man presented in a contest scene. 4.75 grams, 23 mm
From the 'S' collection, acquired 1970-1990s. The collection was seen and studied by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993. Accompanied by a copy of a report from Assyriologist Hui Li. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12558-231428. 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.
The clearly engraved facial features, the almond-shaped eyes, pointed noses, and abstract outlines shaping the bodies, attest to the iconic glyptic practices of the late Early Dynastic Period. The cup held by the king, containing holy ointment or oil, might have been used as an emblem to signify the elevated rank of a deified king. It may have also been used an alternative religious practice, connecting the secular authority and the divine power during the Early Dynastic Period. -
Neo Assyrian Haematite Pazuzu Head
8th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Modelled in the round with grotesque features and fierce teeth exposed; drilled through the head for suspension. 16.2 grams, 24 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. 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.
In Babylonian mythology the demon Pazuzu was the son of the god Hanpa. His consort, the demon Lamaštu, carried fever and preyed upon children and pregnant women. She could be neutralised with appropriate spells and amulets, which also protected against other demons. For this reason, women wore an amulet with the effigy of Pazuzu around their necks during pregnancy.
