Phoenician Bronze Inscribed Stamp Seal

Each a penannular round-section band with a twisted filigree band coiled around the shank; clubbed finials, one with closure clip fitting. 259 grams total, 75-78 mm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.

Fragments of a monochrome lustreware footed bowl; the tondo with dense figural scene including (i) left, four females wearing patterned burqa garments beneath a wreath of floral panels; (ii) right, mounted male in riding jacket on an advancing bridled horse with attendant to his rear holding a fan, hunting dog beneath the horse's legs and an attendant in striped clothing walking beore the horse carrying a spear or pole-arm over his shoulder; (iii) above the pearberaer, two bearded figures in patterned robes watching the horseman; border with reserved calligraphic Kufic text above a band of cursive writing; pellets to the rim; outer face with reserved arcade, dense arabesque scrolls and rosettes; mounted in a plain modern ceramic matrix. 414 grams, 21.3 cm wide



Private collection, UK.

With a hollow-formed biconvex body, tiered rim and short straight spout, repoussé octofoil motifs to the shoulder, trumpet-shaped stepped base. 349 grams, 16 cm



Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s. Private collection, London. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13027-246802.

The Elamite culture was an important civilisation in the ancient Near East that lasted for many centuries, from the 3rd millennium to the 6th century BC. They developed their own style of art, metalwork, and seal designs, as well as their own form of cuneiform writing. Although the Elamites were eventually absorbed into later empires, many aspects of their culture continued to influence the ancient world around them.