Loading, please wait...
LOT 1192
Very Large Western Asiatic Stone Stamp Seal
CIRCA 3000 B.C.
2 in. (100 grams, 51 mm).
Of square shape, striated lines and locating holes on the surface; the reverse with a domed, pierced plaque.
ProvenanceCollected from 1969-1999.
From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.
Cf. Ameri, M., Kielt Costello, S., Jamison, G., Scott, S.J., Seals and sealings in Ancient World, Case studies from Near East, Egypt. the Aegean, and South Asia, Cambridge, 2018, fig.2.5, from Konar Sandal, for similar.
FootnotesSuch seals can be associated with distinct communities during the Bronze Age, particularly those engaged in trade with the Indus Valley. In particular, they are associated with the presence of Mesopotamians on the Iranian plateau and the emergent elite of the Early Dynastic city-states.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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 1192
Very Large Western Asiatic Stone Stamp Seal
Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
-
Achaemenid Gold Hair Ring
Circa 5th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
A hollow-formed penannular hair ornament with repoussé lattice to the hoop, one end pierced to accept a fixing pin. 4.11 grams, 35 mm
UK private art collection, 1981. -
Trans-Jordan Polished Terracotta Bowl
Early Bronze Age, 3rd-2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Hemispherical n profile with small foot, dimple to the underside; rim chipped. 145 grams, 65 mm high
From a family collection pre 1988. -
Western Asiatic Gold Ring with Boar Gemstone
14th century A.D. and earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
With a keeled hoop and openwork shield-shaped shoulder with scroll ornament, a diamond-shaped shield with a cross to the base of the hoop; large bezel with an applied stylised bird underneath, the sides with pellet ornament in three rows, four claws holding the 4th-5th century Sassanian intaglio depicting a boar devouring the leg of its prey. 8.63 grams, 25.72 mm overall, 18.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)
Private collection, USA, acquired in the 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a previous cataloguing information page.
It was a fairly common practice to re-use Sassanian intaglios in Islamic rings from Iran. In Eastern cultures the boar was a sacred animal with magical powers.
