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LOT 0235
Western Asiatic Cylinder Seal in Gold Mount
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C. AND LATER
1 in. (5.45 grams, 24.7 mm).
Cylindrical hematite seal showing a robed figure standing on a supplicant, and holding a long staff, symbols behind; another scene positioned vertically showing two standing figures holding an idol(?) between them; mounted on a gold loop; supplied with a museum-quality impression. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Achaemenid Core-Formed Glass Bottle
Circa 5th century B.C.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £222
Narrow tubular body with rounded bottom, narrow shoulder, flared neck; dragged 'feather' ornament to the iridescent surface; mounted on a custom-made stand. 274 grams, 10.5 cm
From a London, UK, collection of glass, 1970-2000s. -
Neo-Babylonian Agate Duck Weight Collection
Circa 700-600 B.C.Estimate: £700 - 900 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £350
Each carved in the round as a duck with its head laid back along its spine. 6.67 grams total, 17-22 mm
Private collection, Israel. with Holy Land House of Antiquities, Jerusalem, 1990s. Private European collection, acquired from the above in 2001. -
Assyrian Double-Faced Pendant Depicting Pazuzu, King of Wind Demons
8th-6th century B.C.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Carved in the round with flared base, addorsed faces of the demon with suspension lug above. 50.24 grams, 44 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK.
The figure described as the 'King of Wind Demons' is commonly identified with Pazuzu, a well-known demon in Assyrian and Babylonian tradition. Despite his fearsome appearance, often shown with a canine face, bulging eyes, a scaly body, and wings, Pazuzu was not simply a malevolent force. He was understood as the ruler of the winds, particularly the hot, destructive winds from the desert, but was also invoked for protection. Most notably, Pazuzu was believed to ward off the demon Lamashtu, who threatened pregnant women and infants. Small amulets and pendants bearing his image were therefore worn or placed in domestic spaces as protective devices. Objects such as this pendant belong to that world of everyday belief, where the boundary between danger and protection was fluid, and where even a demon could serve an apotropaic role.
