Western Asiatic Carnelian Scaraboid Seal with Bull

Plano-convex in profile with intaglio motif of a crouching antlered animal; pierced for suspension. 4.65 grams, 18 mm



Ex P Chapman collection, 19080s-1990s.

With animals and figures; 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 Hematite. 24 x 10 mm. The design is based on the principle of symetry. In the centre are two reared-up composite animals: bodies of quadrupeds, but wings and heads of birds. Beneath them is a human figure on one knee, nude save for belt around the waist, holding out both hands, each hand over a bird. To either side of this group is a standing man, in short kilt, the one on the right holding one hand at the waist, holding down the other. The one on the left is raising one hand but holding down the other. Above the scene is a vulture with wings spread, and to each side of it a scorpion above a 'flying saucer'. A geometrical figure (two triangles with points meeting) alone straddles the division of the scene. This is a Mitanni seal, c. 1500-1200 B.C., from any part of the area from the eastern Mediterranean to Kurdistan. It is an unusual design, and fine quality work. The piece is in good state of preservation.'; accompanied by a museum quality impression and a pair of red stone beads. 7.98 mm, 24 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, 1970-1993.

A pillow-shaped tablet, with cuneiform text on the broad faces and an edge, reading: '50 sar of orchard, planted with palm trees, next to Kunia, next to Amurutu, on the first small side: Rabutum. Sîn-pilah bought from Huzalum. He paid him its full price of 1/3 silver mine. He swore in the name of Nur-Adad the king that no one would constest in the future. In front of Itišumum In front of Sinennam Before Sugalum Before Kurušum Before Awīl-Amurrim the scribe In the month of šabatu, the year Nur-Adad (offered) a throne of justice (?) ...' 52 grams, 56 mm



Ex private collection. with Bonhams, Antiquities, London, 21 October 1999, no.260 (Part). Private central European collection. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12244-219769.