Sumerian Zoomorphic Alabaster Vessel

Plano-convex in section with incuse pair of animals to the underside. 7.6 grams, 28.6 mm



From the 'S' collection, acquired 1970-1990s. Accompanied by a description by Peter Gert Van der Veen, senior lecturer of Levantine Archaeology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz. 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.

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: 'Description of Cylinder Seal of Yellow Stone (?), 31 x 23.5 mm. Standing horned quadruped with plant(?) between splayed legs, before it three figure of human form, the first seated, the other two standing, the first of them holding up a weapon(?), the other a branch(?) ; all three face away from the horned animal , and there is a tree in front of the last of the three. This is a very unusual piece, and the cylinder is irregular as though an existing piece of material had been used without trimming to a regular shape. Most probably second millennium and from Syria or Anatolia. Condition very good.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 24.8 grams, 31 mm



UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in November 1987. 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 crescent hoop with lateral collars and granule, long columnar drop formed as six columns of stacked granules with filigree braided bands to the outer face, graduated bulb finial; discoid cell above with inset replicant garnet cabochon and the hoops added later. 34.90 grams total, 91 mm each



From a North American gentleman's collection, 1980-1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12708-235755. 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.