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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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Babylonian Bronze Pazuzu Head Pendant
1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Drum-shaped with addorsed grotesque masks beneath a sturdy loop. 14 grams, 23.5 mm
From a collection of a late London, UK, collector, 1980s. 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. -
Large Western Asiatic Bronze Stamp Seal Matrix with Cross
Circa 2200-2000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Discoid with strap handle to the rear, accompanied by typed and signed note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 68 x 19mm. This is a round compartmented seal with wavy edge and loop handle on the back. The compartments, which rise from a solid back, form a pattern: the circle is divided into four quarters by two crossing bands of nine squares, and opposite quarters have the same design. Two have a bush or tree with branches sprouting from each side of the main stem, two have a scorpion. This is a seal from eastern Iran or Afghanistan, c.2200-2000 B.C. It is a large and fine example, and while there is now much corrosion on the surface, this could be removed with laboratory treatment.' 85 grams, 69 mm
Ex collection of a late London gentleman, 1990s. Accompanied by an original typed and signed scholarly note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993. 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. -
Sumerian Calcite Figure of a Priest
Uruk, 3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,105
Carved in the round robed figure seated on a chair; the figure with carefully dressed beard and cropped hair, wearing a long-sleeved robe reaching to his ankles with sash-cords at the front draped from his knees; the high-backed chair with D-shaped seat and reserved saltire to the rear with column and rectangular panel above; the figure with hands cupped in his lap; one foot absent. 37.8 grams, 50 mm
Ex collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1970-1990s. 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.
