Very Large Transjordan Holy Land Terracotta Bowl

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: 'Cylinder Seal of Hematite, 26.5 x 15 mm. The design consists of two pairs of figures. The one consists of two standing figures: the one on the right is a deity, whether male or female is not clear, wearing a smooth hat and a long robe open at the front from which one leg projects. One hand is held at the waist, the other grasps a scimitar. Facing is a nude male figure holding a small bucket in one hand and a small vessel in the other, apparently to sprinkle water from the bucket. It is not known if this figures is meant as a human priest or a minor god. Between this pair in the sky are three dots. The other pair consists of a victor wearing dress that only reaches the knees. His feet are apart, and his one raised hand holds a weapon, while in the other is a seven-fold item, either meant as a revolving weapon, or as a 'multiple club'. (Some have suggested that it is a sling.) The victor's victim is kneeling, and turns back to face his oppressor and plead with raised arm. The victor's one foot rests on the leg of the victim so that he cannot escape. The identity of this victor is so far unknown. This seal is Old Babylonian, from southern Iraq or a neighbouring area, and dates from c. 1900 - 1700 B.C. Though there is some wear and corrosion, the whole design is clear.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 15.9 grams, 26 mm



UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in July 1990. 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.

Comprising a flat ellipsoid plaque and rod to each end. 136 grams, 31 cm



Acquired in the 1990s. Ex Abelita family collection. 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 Faience with Turquoise Glaze 30.5 x 14.5 mm. The design consists of a stylized sacred tree and either side of it a standing stag with rump next to the tree, but head turned back. The end of the scene is marked by a simple guilloche in vertical position. The design is framed by a line above and another beneath. This seal is Mitanni, c. 1500-1200 B.C., and from anywhere between Syria and Western Kurdistan. It is a product of the Hurrian civilisation of the area, and the stylized tree is a symbol of the storm god, Hurrian Teshub, Babylonian Adad, Hebrew Hadad or Baal. The tree has a central trunk terminating in a bud, and three branches off each side similarly terminating in buds.The stags occur commonly on Mitanni seals, but while they may well be symbolic, it is not known of what they may be the symbol. The guilloche is a standard decorative filler of the period. Faience is a manufactured substance, comparable to the modern porcelain. In the ground it often deteriorates over the centuries and has a powdery surface. This one, however, is in exceptionally fine condition, the only mark of its age being that the glaze has lost something of its original colour. In this excellent condition, such seals are rare.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 6.51 grams, 30 mm



From the private collection of a North American lady, formed 1970s-early 1990s, with collection reference no.P30. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert dated September 1990. 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.