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LOT 0230
Old Babylonian Hematite Cylinder Seal with Sin, the Moon God
MESOPOTAMIA, 1800-1600 B.C.
1 in. (11.86 grams, 25 mm).
With incuse frieze; accompanied by 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 x 13. The scene consists of two pairs of figures. In the one pair the noon-god Sin is seated on an angular stool, with small footstool. He is wearing a horned tiara and long flounced robe, and holds up a pole with the lunar crescent on the top. In front of him stands a Lahmu-hero, nude save for a triple-stranded belt, with big beard and curls either side of his face, clasping his hands. The other pair consists of a standing god in horned tiara and long pleated robe open at the front, from which one leg projects with foot resting on a snake-dragon. This god holds up a wedge in one hand. Facing him is a worshiper in a long pleated robe, offering in his arms a kid to the god. There is one filler: a large fly. This is an Old Babylonian seal, from Mesopotamia, c. 1900-1700 B.C. It is in good condition, and is an interesting example of its type; supplied with a museum-quality impression. [No Reserve]
ProvenancePrivate collection, London, UK.
Accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1992.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0230
Old Babylonian Hematite Cylinder Seal with Sin, the Moon God
Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,105
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Sumerian Alabaster Cylinder Seal
3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,235
Waisted cylinder with deeply incuse bird figure flanked by human figure, star, stag's head and others; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 4.1 grams, 24 mm
Private collection, acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s; thence by descent. -
Western Asiatic Gold Ring with Inscribed Sardonyx Gemstone
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
With stepped shoulders supporting a cell bezel with a claw setting. 7.33 grams, 27.65 mm overall, 13.76 x 14.32 mm internal diameter (approximate size British E 1/2, USA 2 1/2, Europe 3, Japan 3)
Private collection, acquired on the German art market in 1993; thence by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13183-249300.
Rings from the 9th-13th centuries represent a variety of artistic achievements; the techniques were elaborate, and the rings show rich decoration. The rings were set with cabochons, table-cut oval or rectangular stones such as turquoise, rubies, garnets or other precious stones. The Arabic inscription, engraved with early Kufic characters, contains the expression “AL__LLH”, which could be interpreted as “il-la-lah”, i.e. “For/to Allah”. -
Mesopotamian Bronze Socketted Axehead
3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Comprising a tubular socket and a slender triangular blade. 320 grams, 11.7 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
Similar axe is represented in hands of Akkadian warriors on the Stele of Victory of Naram-Sim, at the Louvre, dated at 23rd century B.C. It was a typology used by Sumerian and Akkadian warriors.
