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LOT 0229
Old Babylonian Hematite Cylinder Seal with Figures
CIRCA 1900-1700 B.C.
1 in. (15.9 grams, 26 mm).
Cylinder with cord and bead handles; accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Cylinder Seal of Hematite, 26.5 x 15 mm. The design consists of two pairs of figures. The one consists of two standing figures: the one on the right is a deity, whether male or female is not clear, wearing a smooth hat and a long robe open at the front from which one leg projects. One hand is held at the waist, the other grasps a scimitar. Facing is a nude male figure holding a small bucket in one hand and a small vessel in the other, apparently to sprinkle water from the bucket. It is not known if this figures is meant as a human priest or a minor god. Between this pair in the sky are three dots. The other pair consists of a victor wearing dress that only reaches the knees. His feet are apart, and his one raised hand holds a weapon, while in the other is a seven-fold item, either meant as a revolving weapon, or as a 'multiple club'. (Some have suggested that it is a sling.) The victor's victim is kneeling, and turns back to face his oppressor and plead with raised arm. The victor's one foot rests on the leg of the victim so that he cannot escape. The identity of this victor is so far unknown. This seal is Old Babylonian, from southern Iraq or a neighbouring area, and dates from c. 1900 - 1700 B.C. Though there is some wear and corrosion, the whole design is clear.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceUK private collection, acquired 1980-1983.
Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in July 1990.
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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Large West Iranian Grey Stone Cylinder Seal with Figures
Circa 1200-1000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
Accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: ' Cylinder seal of black stone, 45 x 20 mm., condition fine. This seal shows three walking figures in a row, to be identified as gods from their headdresses. They are all clad in the same garb: long robes reaching the ankles, with a fringe reaching from the shoulder to the bottom, and another one around the bottom. The first one carried two rodents by their tails in one hand and holds a small scimitar in the other. The middle one holds up a twig of vegetation in one hand and a short rod in the other. The rear deity holds a twig in each hand, with (apparently) a string falling from each hand to the ground. There is a rodent sideways filling space between the second and last gods, and for a terminal there is a lozenge, a horned animal with front and rear legs close together, and a simple cross. This is a rare seal from west Iran, dating to c. 1200-1000 B.C. The twig as a divine symbol is well known from seals of this period excavated at Susa and Choga Zanbil, and other details are paralleled, such as the angular depiction of the hands holding the various objects.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 23.9 grams, 45 mm
From the private collection of a North American lady, formed 1970s-early 1990s, with collection reference no.P27. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert dated January 1990. 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. -
Painted Enamelled Plaques of The Iranian Royal Family
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
Group of portrait miniatures on glass discs including two males in military uniform, a close-up female face, female bust in three-quarter view, Iranian royal badge of an advancing lion wielding a sword with the rising sun on its back, and cinquefoil with lion-and-sun motif to the centre; mounted in a glazed wooden frame with gilt edging. 3 kg total, 50.5 x 49 cm
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. -
Jemdet Nasr Type Green Stone Cylinder Seal
Circa 3000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
Cylinder with cord and bead handles; accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Cylinder Seal of Translucent Green Stone 28 x 21 mm. The design consists of three rows of three fish, two rows moving in one direction, one row moving in the other direction. Tis is a seal in the Jemdet Nasr Style, dating to c. 3000 B.C., from Sumer or south west Iran. the design is deeply cut and the seal is in very good state of preservation. The fish is probably a symbol of the god Enki god of the waters below the earth, and in later periods of art often associated with fish.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 22.7 grams, 28 mm
UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in May 1992. 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.
