Sasanian Rock Crystal Stamp Seal

Comprising a rounded body resting on three stub legs; funicular mouth and short neck; beneath the rim a mask with pinched nose and two pointed ears, impressed circular eyes and mouth; three vertical decorative strips impressed with the same tool as formed the eyes and mouth; tiered strap handle with two finger-grips to the outer face and impressed detailing running from the neck to the shoulder; rim and one foot partly restored. 723 grams, 20.6 cm



Ex Zackary, Los Angeles, 1960s. Thereafter London art market, 1992. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00079639.

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.

Rectangular hand-painted panel mounted in a reveal to display both sides: Side A - crouching lion between five lines of calligraphic text; Side B - geometric motifs between blocks of calligraphic text; mounted in a glazed wooden frame. 750 grams, 32.5 x 23.5 cm



Private collection, UK.