Western Asiatic Bronze Stamp Seal

Modelled in the round columnar figure with pinched facial features, arms folded across the chest and open crotch; mounting peg beneath feet; supplied with a custom-made stand. 31 grams, 63 mm (60 grams total, 73 mm including stand)



From the Swiss private collection of Hans Wiedemann, Biel/Bienne, since the 1990s. Ex S. L. Antiquarian Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. Private Swiss collection, Basel-Landschaft, acquired from T. B. on the Swiss art market, Basel. 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.

Figures like this one were presented as offerings in the temples, however they were also used in households to protect against evil spirits.

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: 'Description of Cylinder Seal of soft, black stone, 29 x 18 mm. A scene is contained within upper and lower rules and a ladder pattern repeated at left and right. The main figure is a standing deity holding up items in each raised hand. he wears a pointed cap and might be meant as Hadad/Teshub/Baal, the storm god, but the symbols held are not sufficiently clear to be certain. In front of him is a small figure of human form, and three horned quadrupeds; behind him is a bird, a fish(?) and a scorpion. Vacant spaces are filled with dots, and linear devices. The seal is a typical "Levantine" cylinder c. 1200-1000 B.C. from Syria or Anatolia. it is cut with a hand-held pointed graving tool and the drill. Though worn, the design is completely clear.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 9.72 grams, 28 mm



UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in October 1987. 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 incuse running animals to the underside, sockets to the eyes and lateral piercing. 23.7 grams, 48 mm



From the 'S' collection, acquired 1970-1990s. Accompanied by a description by Peter Gert Van der Veen, senior lecturer of Levantine Archaeology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz. 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.