Urartu Grey Stone Stamp Seal

Hollow-formed figure of a bull resting with its legs folded beneath its body, head turned; on a stepped rectangular base. 485 grams, 11.4 cm



Nicolas Koutoulakis (1910-1996), thence by descent. Ex Galerie Dominique Thirion, Brussels, Belgium. Private collection of Mr K.A. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12411-225769.

Representing a worship scene with ritual animal offering; a priest with long beard and round headgear standing in front of an altar surmounted by a staff topped by a crescent; a sacrificial animal (goat?) on the altar; a later trilobate bronze pendant fastened through a modern loop to the seal. 10.4 grams, 67 mm



From a private family collection formed since the early 19th century, thence by descent. Property of a New Zealand legal professional. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12331-223714.

The worshipper performing the sacrifice is a priest, wearing a brimmed, rounded headdress under which his shoulder-length hair emerges. In front of him, the staff (symbol of Nabû) is surmounted by the crescent moon.

Each with chamfered edges and dense panel of calligraphic text. 9.3 grams total, 19-25 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.