Western Asiatic Bronze Leaping Horned and Winged Lion

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 fossil shell. 28 x 16 mm., condition good. Contest scene: standing hero succours reared up domestic animal on either side as they are attacked by lions, a second hero pulls the tail of the right-hand lion from behind; terminal scorpion below double line. This well known type of Sumerian seal occurs at the very end of the Early Dynastic periods, and on into the beginning of the Akkad dynasty. The scene involves divine heroes, and it was hoped that in actual life such figures would save domestic herds from attacks of lions.'; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 14.9 grams total, 8.1-27.78 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.

Square in section, sides tapering to the pierced apex; sequence of four intaglio figures: female on a hatched seat offering food to a goose; advancing female with hair in a single braid to the rear, holding a bowl and alabastron; male in knee-length tunic with lion-skin hood, holding an inverted spear; advancing female with hair in a single braid to the rear, holding a wreath and flower; rhyton to the underside. 9.8 grams, 25 mm



Acquired 1970-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12540-231460. 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.

With bulbous body, broad shoulder, tall neck and flared rim to the mouth. 1.09 kg, 24.7 cm



From a London, UK, gentleman's collection of ancient pottery and artefacts, 1990s. 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.