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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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Western Asiatic Terracotta Bowl with Shallow Foot
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Featuring a wide shallow body and a small raised disc foot. 462 grams, 19 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. Accompanied by an old dealer's ticket. 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. -
Neo Assyrian Haematite Pazuzu Head
8th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Modelled in the round with grotesque features and fierce teeth exposed; drilled through the head for suspension. 16.2 grams, 24 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. 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.
In Babylonian mythology the demon Pazuzu was the son of the god Hanpa. His consort, the demon Lamaštu, carried fever and preyed upon children and pregnant women. She could be neutralised with appropriate spells and amulets, which also protected against other demons. For this reason, women wore an amulet with the effigy of Pazuzu around their necks during pregnancy. -
Neo Babylonian Agate Stamp Seal with Star and Moon
7th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Conical body pierced through the top, underside engraved with a crescent moon and star above, sun and an altar(?) below. 7.33 grams, 21 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. 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.
