Sasanian Carnelian Stamp Seal with Bust

Openwork quatrefoil with triangular loop to the reverse; 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, 43 x 43 x 19 mm. This is an open-work compartmented seal bearing the shape of the design: a rosette with four petals, with an extra layer around the edge. on the back there is a handle of thick sheet metal in an inverted V-shape. This comes from West Central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is an unusual design. The outer rim is dented a little, otherwise it is in good condition.' 26 grams, 44 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.

Comprising a square panel with a bull's head in low-relief, striated eyes and flaring nostrils, a thick tuft of hair arranged between the eyes, shallow acanthus leaf between curved horns, inscription on the rectangular space at the bottom of the panel; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 2.09 kg total, 19.8 cm including stand



UK collection, 1990s. Acquired on the UK art market, before 2000. Private collection, Mr M.V., a London-based businessman.

The presence of these representations in South Arabian cemeteries attests to the importance of the bull in the religious iconography of pre-Islamic Arabia.

A restrung string composed of alternating carnelian and quartz beads interspersed with silver pomegranate-shaped beads, a large lozenge-shaped bead at the centre. 31.2 grams, 30 cm long



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.