Western Asiatic Black Calligraphic Gemstone

With two rows of zoomorphic figures and restrung red round beads at each end; supplied with a typed and signed scholarly note by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970- 1993, which states, 'Cylinder Seal of White Marble, 20 x 10 mm. The surface is divided into two registers by a guilloche across the middle. In the upper register there are five animal protomes: at the rear a lion, then four different horned animals, each shown with one front paw. A complete scorpion serves as a terminal. In the lower register are also five animal protomes, but facing the opposite direction to those above. At the rear is a stag, then a lion, and in front of it three distinguished horned animals. A lizard serves as a terminal in this case. This is an Old Syrian seal, c. 2700-2400 B.C., and in fine condition. The engraving is deeply done and gives a sharp, clear impression. Other seals of this type are known, but are rare.' 4.73 grams total, seal: 20.1 mm



Acquired on the French auction market. Accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1992.

Composed mainly of oblate, annular and other beads, restrung. 6.4 grams, 36 cm



Acquired on the UK art market since the 1990s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman; thence by descent.

Plano-convex type with incuse lon resting with forelegs extended, crescent beneath and star above; legend to the upper border; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 4.3 grams, 15 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.