Western Asiatic Bichrome Terracotta Dish

Openwork quatrefoil with triangular loop to the reverse; accompanied by typed and signed note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 43 x 43 x 19 mm. This is an open-work compartmented seal bearing the shape of the design: a rosette with four petals, with an extra layer around the edge. on the back there is a handle of thick sheet metal in an inverted V-shape. This comes from West Central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is an unusual design. The outer rim is dented a little, otherwise it is in good condition.' 26 grams, 44 mm



Ex collection of a late London gentleman, 1990s. Accompanied by an original typed and signed scholarly note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Representing a god in short mantle and round cap with upturned brim, holding a mace in his left hand, before him a goddess standing in a horned crown and kaunakes, her hands raised in supplication; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 8.96 grams, 27 mm



Ex Mr J.K. collection, USA. Acquired from the above, 1997. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12581-232131. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The seals of the First Isin Dynasty were much more varied than those just preceding the Third Dynasty of Ur. Often the chief god - probably Shamash - is standing, and the 'introducing' goddess is facing him, while the worshipper is not pictured. The seals are a mine for the understanding of the old Babylonian costume. The tunic of the female goddess here is made of tufted material that the Greeks called kaunakes, the weave of which imitated the effect of the earlier sheepskin costumes.

Comprising a trumpet-shaped base with baluster and conical stem, gently flared body with wheel-cut facetting to the sidewall; restored. 567 grams, 26.4 cm



Private collection, Switzerland, since the 1960s. Accompanied by a copy of a previous two page illustrated cataloguing note. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.DAA0105.687.LL. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12720-235460. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.