Western Asiatic Blue-Glazed Vessel

Cylinder with cord and bead handles; 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 Red Stone with Some Cream, 30x13mm. The scene shows two kneeling worshippers, one either side of a stylized sacred tree below a winged solar disc. The seal is cut entirely with one tool, the cutting sheel, which enabled the work to be done quickly. the seal is to be dated c.900-800 B.C. and seals of this type are generally considered to be Babylonian, though this is not completely certain: they may have been made in Syria and southern Anatolia. The hands of the worshippers are in a typically Assyrian pose: one raised, one extended, but this type of seal is not generally found at Assyrian sites. The solar disc represents the storm god. Though there is some wear on the stone, the design remains quite clear and sharp.'; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 8.8 grams total, 8.1-29.5 mm



UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in August 1990. 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.

Cylinder with cord and bead handles; 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 lapis Lazuli, 23.5 x 9 mm. The design shows a seated deity to the right, raising one hand, while from the left an introducing goddess leads in a worshipper. The cutting is simple, but is identifiable as from the period of the Third Dynasty of Ur, c. 2100-2000 B.C., coming from southern Mesopotamia or a neighbouring area. The design is worn, but clearly visible. Lapis is a rare stone for this period.'; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 5.65 grams total, 8.1-23.5 mm



UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in July 1991. 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.

Drum-shaped steatite vessel with reserved frieze to the outer face: two lions advancing, each preceded by a rectangle with incised grid; seated female with long hair and fur-textured garment, offering a fruit to the first lion; palm tree to her rear; shallow socket to each of the eyes and the female's chest to accept an inlay panel. 695 grams, 11.7 cm



Acquired from a gallery in France, held in the UK since 1982, thence by descent. Private collection, London. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12557-230774. 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.