Western Asiatic Black Stone Cylinder Seal with Court Scene

With an ovate blade, central rib and curved shoulders, the lozenge-section long shaft tapering towards the end, a rectangular tang with a bent tip. 830 grams, 40 cm



Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.

The spearhead represents a slender variant of type 1 of the Khorasani classification. The type 1 was characterised by a bent tang. It was the evolution of a typology which began much earlier in Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent, the type 4 of the Stronach classification, with a straight tang and square section, usually thickened at the base with a button tang.

With incuse 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 Hematite 26 x 13. The scene consists of two pairs of figures. In the one pair the noon-god Sin is seated on an angular stool, with small footstool. He is wearing a horned tiara and long flounced robe, and holds up a pole with the lunar crescent on the top. In front of him stands a Lahmu-hero, nude save for a triple-stranded belt, with big beard and curls either side of his face, clasping his hands. The other pair consists of a standing god in horned tiara and long pleated robe open at the front, from which one leg projects with foot resting on a snake-dragon. This god holds up a wedge in one hand. Facing him is a worshiper in a long pleated robe, offering in his arms a kid to the god. There is one filler: a large fly. This is an Old Babylonian seal, from Mesopotamia, c. 1900-1700 B.C. It is in good condition, and is an interesting example of its type; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 11.86 grams, 25 mm



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, 1992.

With frieze of a tree flanked by winged worshippers, surmounted by faravahar symbol; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 4.47 grams, 22 mm



UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK.