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LOT 0279
Proto-Sumerian Seal with Animals
CIRCA 3000 B.C. OR LATER
1 5/8 in. (37.4 grams, 40 mm).
Plano-convex stamp seal with design of two crouching quadrupeds placed tête-bêche; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenanceAcquired in Europe in 2002.
European private collection.
The motifs have been created using a drill, hence the rounded appearance.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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LOT 0279
Proto-Sumerian Seal with Animals
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
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Sassanian Necklace with Gold Pendants
3rd-7th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £910
A restrung necklace composed of carnelian and lozengiform lapis lazuli beads interspersed with later gold filigree beads; later hook-and-eye closure. 24.9 grams, 44.5 cm long
Very fine condition.
Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s. -
Amlash Bronze Mirror
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
With discoid body, remains of tinning to the front face, the reverse with sub-circular wreath composed of curved zigzags, waisted stem incised with chevrons to both faces, domed base with hatched lines to upper face and base. 138 grams, 11.6 cm
UK private collection before 2000. On the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. -
Western Asiatic Gold Ring with Boar Gemstone
14th century A.D. and earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
With a keeled hoop and openwork shield-shaped shoulder with scroll ornament, a diamond-shaped shield with a cross to the base of the hoop; large bezel with an applied stylised bird underneath, the sides with pellet ornament in three rows, four claws holding the 4th-5th century Sassanian intaglio depicting a boar devouring the leg of its prey. 8.63 grams, 25.72 mm overall, 18.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)
Private collection, USA, acquired in the 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a previous cataloguing information page.
It was a fairly common practice to re-use Sassanian intaglios in Islamic rings from Iran. In Eastern cultures the boar was a sacred animal with magical powers.