Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1131
Urartu Alabaster Stamp Seal
8TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.
5/8 in. (3.36 grams, 16 mm).
Bifacial round seal with mythical creatures, likely winged ibexes; pierced hole for suspension.
Provenance
Ex London, UK, collection, before 1988.
Literature
Cf. for the iconography Sass, B., Uehlinger, C., Studies in the iconography of northwest semitic inscribed seals: Proceedings of a symposium held in Fribourg on April 17-20, 1991, Zurich, 1993, p.59, fig.16.
Footnotes
Animal-headed creatures are often winged bird-headed figures with human body in the Urartu and Northern-Syrian seals of ‘dnplţ ‘bd ‘mndb type, but often winged, apparently ibex-headed figures appear on the seals of the type bqšt bt ‘bdyrh. The ibex-headed figures might belong to same group of semi-divine beings visible on the Assyrian art.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 1131
Urartu Alabaster Stamp Seal
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
RELATED LOTS
-
Sumerian Cuneiform Foundation Cone from Lagash During the Reign of Gudea
Circa 2100 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,820
From the temple of Ningirsu at Tello (Girsu) during the Second Dynasty of Lagash; inscribed with columns of cuneiform text: 'For Ningirsu, Enlil's strong hero, Gudéa prince of Lagaš, made immutable values (= rites) shine forth and built Eninnu his white eagle and restored it.' 188 grams, 11.1 cm
Previously from the estate of a West Sussex, UK, collector. From a collection acquired from various auction houses in the UK. From the estate of Mr R.W., a private Wiltshire, UK, collector; thence by descent.
Votive cones are one type of royal foundation deposit, objects that were buried in the walls and beneath the floors of important buildings during construction to sanctify the site and to create a historical memory of the ruler and his achievements. -
Bactrian Alabaster Bowl
1st millennium B.C. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £72
With wide rounded base and gently sloping walls. 1.15 kg, 13.5 cm wide
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Neo-Assyrian Bronze Bowl Group
9th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Comprising six low-profile utility bowls with gently sloping walls, some damaged. 1.25 kg total, 15.5-20 cm wide
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.
