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LOT 1377
West Central Asian Bronze Quadrate Cross Seal Matrix
CIRCA 2300-2000 B.C.
1 1/2 in. (17.1 grams, 39 mm).
Comprising a cross-shaped body with a small loop on the reverse, accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 39 x 38 x 12 mm. This bears the shape of the design, with flat compartmented face and flat back on which is mounted a loop handle for suspension. The design is a quadrate cross with small square in the middle, and to the end of each arm is added a rough oblong shape. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is generally in good condition, only the handle is worn and the outer edges are also a little worn in two places.' [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Ex property of a West London businessman.
Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s.
Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly report, numbered U-388, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert.
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AUCTIONS:
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Large West Central Asian Bronze Ear-Shaped Seal Matrix
Circa 2300-2000 B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Comprising an openwork ear-shaped body and a tall looped handle on the reverse. 42.7 grams, 51 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. -
Large Jemdet Nasr Type Cream Stone Geometric Cylinder Seal
Circa 3100-2900 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Cylinder seal with two pairs of opposing triangular motifs with a hatched grid in between; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 19.09 grams, 38 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. Accompanied by a previous typed catalogue slip with collection no.3. -
Western Asiatic Agate Bifacial Named Calligraphic Gemstone
Circa 15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £598
Octagonal tabular bifacial panel with incised borders; dense nastaliq script to each face; with old collector's note with transliteration and translation 'Constant hearing with the blessing of the name Muhammed / Sakander Abbas'. 1.63 grams, 17 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The Nastaʿlīq was one of the most important and widespread calligraphic styles used to write Persian. It was developed in Iran in the 8th and 9th centuries. It was also occasionally used to write the original Arabic language, known as taʿliq, for the titles and headings of books or printed publications, but its use was predominant in Persian, Ottoman Turkish, Urdu, and other languages of Perso-Indian influence. Nastaʿlīq is still widespread in Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan for written poetry and as a form of artistic expression (arabesque).
