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LOT 0211
Sumerian Shell Cylinder Seal with Heroes
2600-2300 B.C.
1/4 - 1 in. (14.9 grams total, 8.1-27.78 mm).
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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Mesopotamian Stone Vessel
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Slightly flared tubular body with everted rim. 452 grams, 10 cm
From a collection formed before 1990. Ex Mayfair, London, UK, gallery, 2000s. 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. -
Kassite Red Stone Cylinder Seal with Presentation Scene
14th-12th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £598
With frieze depicting two Lama goddesses approaching a seated figure, two columns of cuneiform text; mounted on a reinforced card with impression and collector's handwritten text. 41 grams total, 12.1 x 9.2 cm
Antonovitch Gallery, Paris, 1978. Chesnes Gallery, Lyon, 1982. Acquired at Drouot, Paris, 2022. Private collection, London. 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 Inscribed Carnelian Gemstone in Gold Ring
12th-13th century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Incised Kufic inscription in high cut oval gemstone, set into a later hollow-formed ring with central stud to the bezel. 12.92 grams, 28.32 mm overall, 19.55 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)
Private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. 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.