Western Asiatic Alabaster Vessel with Lug Handles

Cylinder seal with frieze; accompanied by 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 Soft Black Stone. 37 x 25 mm. There are two standing human-looking figures, both clad in robes reaching to mid-calf level, and both having one hand raised. The one faces a tree or bush, the other standing against a background design of uncertain interpretation seems to hold a long spear downwards. The remaining space is divided up by two notched lines, on the top of one of which a bird is perching, and the remaining space is filled with a scorpion, a lion, a quadruped and another bird, while a lunar crescent and very small star occupy an area in the sky. The whole design is placed between upper and lower rulings. This is a Syrian seal, c. 2000-1800 B.C. done in a crude style but one full of interest. It is large and in fine condition and though the style is known, seals of this large size and with such a varied design are extremely rare.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 35 grams, 38 mm



The Collection of Mrs William H. Moore, Eisen, University of Chicago, 1940, no.188. The Ada Moore Collection of Near Eastern Seals, Sotheby's, New York, Thursday, 12 December 1991, no.92. Accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1992.

Crescent plaque with granulated inner borders and radiating triangles of granulation surrounded by a band of nineteen spheres, representing pomegranates, each with a filigree collar above and below, the outer band consisting of smaller spheres with a granulated pyramidal finial, at the centre a teardrop-shaped garnet cabochon set in a cell with a granulated border flanked by spirals. 13.55 grams, 51 mm



Ex David Lindhal, London, UK, in the 1990s. From a privately held London, UK, collection from the 1980s-1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13267-253966.

Fruits were generally considered to be a symbol of sensuality, temptation and fertility; the giving and accepting of fruit may be regarded as a symbolic sexual act, or at least a prelude to marriage. It follows naturally that the pomegranate, with its innumerable fleshy seeds symbolising life and fecundity, was an attribute of Aphrodite.

With biconical profile and flared foot, cable-twist strap handle, applied raised band to the shoulder and neck; discoid feline head with filler hole and spout, inset turquoise-coloured scaphoid eyes. 739 grams, 19.7 cm



UK collection, 1990s. Acquired on the UK art market, before 2000. Private collection, Mr M.V., a London-based businessman.