Uruk Animal Amulet

A high-status green chalcedony seal with frieze depicting a seated figure in horned headdress facing a standing figure with arms outstretched, small monkey to the legs; six columns of Akkadian cuneiform text transliterated as: 1. ki-di-nu UGULA KUŠ-MEŠ 2. GAL šà tan-dru-hu- 3. ra-te-er EŠŠANA šu-ši 4. u an-za-an ARAD 5. šà dha-te-ri-iš 6. šak(?) ì-lí-šu 'Kidinu, chief overseer of the equerries(?) of Tan-Ruhurater, King of Susa and Anzan, servant of Haterishshak, his god'. The seal's owner was an official of King Tan-Ruhurater II (circa 1450 B.C.), king of Susa and Anzan. The title used to describe Kidinu is sometimes translated 'high official', elsewhere 'horse groom' or 'animal trainer'; the Elamite deity Haterish is otherwise unknown. 23.8 grams, 39 mm



From a Mayfair gallery, London, UK; previously acquired in the 1980s. Property of a North London lady; gifted from her father's collection. 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. Accompanied by a copy of a specialist academic report dated June 2017. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12122-215563.

Squat in profile with broad foot, carinated rim with notched edge, band of impressed rosettes and inset shell studs to the shoulder, notched borders. 540 grams, 13.8 cm wide



with a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s.

Globular in form with flared cylindrical neck and integral handle with triangular projection; applied pellets either side, likely a zoomorphic representation, with incised vertical bands to the neck. 735 grams, 24.5 cm high



Ex Rabi Gallery, Mayfair, London, UK. Ex private collection.