Sumerian White Stone Cylinder Seal

Conical in profile with ring foot; glazed inner face with reserved cross and panels of calligraphic text; text to underside inside foot; old collectors' labels to sidewall. 142 grams, 13.8 cm



with Christie's, London, Islamic Manuscripts, Miniatures, and Works of Art, 10 October 1989, no.485. 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.

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 Black Stone, 40 mm. high. The scene shows a seated god with four standing figures in front of him. He is seated on an angular seat, wears a long flounced robe and a horned tiara, and raises one hand in greeting. Immediately before him standing is a god with similar clothes and headdress, gripping the wrist of a second god who standing behind him and holds a kid as an offering to the seated god. This third god has a robe which falls in creases to the ankles. Behind the god with goat stands a human figure with bare head and clothing distinct from all the other figures. He or she (there is no beard) holds a bucket in one hand. The final figure of the row is a god with dress similar to that of the one immediately in front of the seated god, though he holds both hands at the waist. This is a Akkadian seal, c. 2300-2200 B.C., from southern Mesopotamia or a nearby area. It is a large one and in fine condition.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 49.5 grams, 41 mm



From the private collection of a North American lady, formed 1970s-early 1990s, with collection reference no.P26. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert dated November 1991. 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.

Each a hollow sphere composed of shallow bosses with granule to the apex, applied filigree circles, hinged loop above. 5.12 grams total, 25 mm each



Acquired on the UK art market. 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.