Western Asiatic Chalcedony Cylinder Seal

Modelled with a flat-section body and splayed base, arms and hands positioned on the chest, applied ornamental collar and headdress or hair; large circular eyes and pinched nose. 146 grams, 18.5 cm high



From the property of the late Mr SM, London, UK, 1969-1999; thence by descent.

Rectangular carved furniture panel with raised frame above and below the central figure modelled in the half-round; the figure an advancing gryphon with head raised and wings spread, hair falling in three locks to the shoulder, tail raised; the wing with raised rims to the feathers forming cells to accept an inlay in contrasting colour; remains of tenons above and below; Phoenician style; mounted on a custom-made stand. 274 grams total, 10 cm wide including stand



Ex Florida collection, purchased from Kelekian, New York, prior to 1970. Acquired by the current owner from the above. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11971-209611.

The figure is shown with the head raised; the example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is very similar, is eating the flowers of a tiered papyrus plant. Many such plaques were manufactured in workshops at Nimrud, but some may have been plundered from the treasuries of defeated enemies.

Cotton-reel type with regular pattern of larger and smaller drilled pellets. 8.96 grams, 16 mm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector; collection no.19. London collection, 2016.