Western Asiatic Agate and Gold Bead Necklace

Plano-convex in section with incuse animal forms to the underside. 82.8 grams, 66 mm



Private collection. Acquired from a Swiss collection, 2002.

The seal shows stylistic affinity with Akkadian seals representing animals. A few scenes of daily life occur on Akkadian seals, chiefly on the small number illustrating the history of Etana and the eagle. If Akkadian, our seal can be considered very rare.

Composed of graduated mixed beads with a large discoid pendant, restrung. 57 grams, 34.5 cm



Ex Ancient Art Shop, Windsor, UK, 1990s. Ex private West County, UK, collection.

Openwork seal matrix with a 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, 40 x 40 x 14 mm. This is round, with flat face and flat back, on which is mounted a handle of inverted U-shape. The design consists of a central oblong joined to the outer rim with struts. From the centre of each side of the oblong is a short strut joining two crescent shaped lines creating the impression of a tree, and between each such combination is a single straight strut from oblong to edge. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. The metal is in very good condition, and the whole seal is also in fine state of preservation.' 15.2 grams, 40 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. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly report, numbered N-11, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert.