Loading, please wait...
LOT 0203
Old Babylonian Stone Cylinder Seal with Inscription
EARLY 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
1 in. (17 grams, 26 mm).
With frieze depicting a worshipper and a goddess both facing an enthroned king holding a cup in one hand, sun-disc and crescent above; the king wearing a cap and tiered robe, the throne raised on a dais and covered with a fringed cloth; the worshipper youthful with hands clasped before his chest, wearing a floor-length garment over his shoulder; the goddess wearing a tiered headdress and flounced floor-length robe, with hands raised in salutation; two pairs of smaller figures, one with a toothed weapon; column of cuneiform text reading 'ᵈNin-subur, sukkal an-na' ('Ninshubur, the approved vizier', or 'heavenly vizier'); supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenanceFrom an important London, UK, collection, 1980-1990s.
Accompanied by a previous two page illustrated catalogue report.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12249-222296.
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Mesopotamian Stone Cylinder Seal for Shamash-ili, son of Nirgal-gamil
Circa 2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Engraved with a frieze composed of human figures and columns of text: 'Shamash-ili, son of Nirgal-gamil (?), servant of (the god) Sakkud'; drilled vertically for suspension. 9.16 grams, 28 mm
From an important London, UK, collection, 1970-1990. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. -
Post Sassanian Cut Glass Bottle with Bronze Lid
6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Squat in profile with drum-shaped body, broad shoulder and six facets to the flared neck; bronze lid with dipper. 137 grams, 73 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. -
Western Asiatic Mixed Stone and Glass Necklace Bead Collection
1st millennium B.C. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £130
Comprising a large quantity of variously shaped beads in lapis lazuli, red jasper, rock crystal, glass and other materials. 78.4 grams total, 2-14 mm
UK gallery, early 2000s.
Glass is the premier bead material. Invented in the Middle East around 2500 B. C., glass making spread slowly. There are mainly two types of beads, drawn beads (when the tubes are cut in a short segments, which are usually agitated over heat to smooth off the sharp edges) or wound beads (made by wrapping molten glass around a rock, stick or wire. Once the bead is built up, it can be further pressed or paddled into shape, placed in a mould, or decorated with other colours of glass.