Western Asiatic Aramaic Pendant Seal Matrix

A substantial figurine fragment comprising a trapezoidal plaque with expanded lower edge, applied discoid eyes and pinched nose, necklace with impressed bead detailing, applied breasts; mounted on a custom-made stand. 313 grams total, 15 cm including stand

Fine condition.

From an old Tokyo collection; formerly the property of a Japanese gentleman since the early 1990s. From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent.

With standing figures and animals, 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, 21.5 x 11 mm. The design is made up of two parts. The main scene shows two facing deities. On the left stand the Storm God, Hadad or Teshup, wearing a short kilt and a spiked helmet. A long plait of hair falls down his back. In his raised right hand he holds a mace, in the left a long spear and a bow(?). On the right stands a goddess, nude, having thrown back her cloke, and standing above a bull. This goddess is either Anat or Ashtart, goddess or fertility. There are four fillers in the main scene, two discs, a human hand and an unidentified item. The minor scene consists of a row of three walking humans, the first with one hand raised, below two facing birds. The whole engraing is set between lines, one above one below. This seal in Syrian, c. 1800-1700 B.C. and is a typical example of the interest which the Syrian engravers put into their seals. It is somewhat worn, but the whole of the design is clear, having been cut deeply in the original stone.'; accompanied by a museum quality impression and pair of red stone beads. 6.58 grams, 21 mm



Anonymous French sale. Private collection, London, UK. 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.

The lentoid-section blade curved with a narrow point, the hilt comprising a wooden grip with reserved and hatched median collar; heart-shaped pommel; decorative iron studs. 119 grams, 32.5 cm



Acquired in the mid-1980s to early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.