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LOT 0215
Sumerian Shell Cylinder Seal with Heroes
2600-2300 B.C.
1/4 - 1 in. (14.9 grams total, 8.1-27.78 mm).
Cylinder with cord and bead handles; accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Cylinder seal of fossil shell. 28 x 16 mm., condition good. Contest scene: standing hero succours reared up domestic animal on either side as they are attacked by lions, a second hero pulls the tail of the right-hand lion from behind; terminal scorpion below double line. This well known type of Sumerian seal occurs at the very end of the Early Dynastic periods, and on into the beginning of the Akkad dynasty. The scene involves divine heroes, and it was hoped that in actual life such figures would save domestic herds from attacks of lions.'; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceUK private collection, acquired 1980-1983.
Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in August 1990.
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.
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AUCTIONS:
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Western Asiatic Bronze Footed Cup
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Biconvex in profile with basal ring, carination, rolled rim. 275 grams, 11.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. 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. -
Western Asiatic Veined Alabaster Jar
2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
With globular body and everted rim; repaired. 367 grams , 99 mm
From a collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva. 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. -
Bactrian Bronze Scorpion Stamp Seal
2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £115
Comprising a domed body with a pierced handle, the underside with a stylised scorpion. 40 grams, 27 mm
Acquired before the early 1970s. With Bonhams, London, 26 October 2007, lot 417 [Part]. Ex London, UK, gallery. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages. 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.