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LOT 0231
Western Asiatic Banded Agate Cylinder Seal with Birds
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
1/2 in. (2.22 grams, 14.23 mm).
Frieze with starburst motif and two birds with outstretched wings; supplied with a museum-quality impression. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
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:
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Kassite Agate Eye Bead with Cuneiform Inscription for King Kurigalzu II in Gold Mount
1400-1000 B.C.Estimate: £80,000 - 100,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £40,000
Polished cabochon in a gold frame with radiating bosses, integral loop; reverse with four incised columns of cuneiform text naming Kurigalzu II. 18.30 grams, 42 mm
Private collection, Mrs M.V., circa 1980s. Kept in Switzerland since the late 1980s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13202-249238.
The cuneiform inscription names Kurigalzu II (c.1332-1308 B.C.), 'strong man, King of Babylon, son of Burnaburiaš.' Kurigalzu II was one of the most powerful Kassite rulers, known for his military campaigns and extensive building projects, including the foundation of the city of Dur-Kurigalzu. Inscribed Kassite agate eye beads are rare and are generally understood to have served amuletic or votive functions, combining royal titulary with protective symbolism. -
Western Asiatic Black Stone Scaraboid with Walking Horse
Circa 800-700 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
Carved anatomical detailing on the body, underside with an advancing horse, and a branch above. 2.45 grams, 15 mm
From a late Warwickshire numismatic collector, his collection formed from the early 1980s. -
Western Asiatic Artefact Group
Circa 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Mixed group of ceramic, bronze and stone items, including two small dishes, a spindle whorl and an idol fragment. 254 grams total, 20-71 mm
From the late collection of a Cornish couple, formed from the early 1990s.
