Western Asiatic Bronze Artefact Group

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 Cornelian, 20 x 11 mm. On the right a deity is seated on a throne with a high back decorated with sparkling knobs. This deity holds an unidentified object in one hand while raising the other. Facing stands a worshiper raising the right hand with index finger extended, extending the left and with palm cupped. Between the two figures is a fire-bowl raised on a pole with fire burning in the pan. Three filling motifs serve as a terminal: the lunar crescent, a lozenge-shape, and a fish. This is a Neo-Assyrian seal in late drilled style. c. 750-600 B.C.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 4.11 grams, 19 mm



From the private collection of a North American lady, formed 1970s-early 1990s, with collection reference no.P1. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert dated March 1992. 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.

Modelled in the round with holes to the ears to accept separate rings (absent) and right hand open to accept a weapon. 27 grams, 68 mm



Acquired in Paris and London, 1970s. From a collection of Canaanite gods in bronze, from the collection of a London, UK, gentleman. 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.