Western Asiatic Engraved Black Stone Stamp Seal with Animal

Square in plan with rounded edges, incuse design of a presentation scene with a seated figure extending his arms towards a standing figure holding a vessel; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 43.4 grams, 26 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Bulbous body with four stub legs, tall neck and internal strainer, tall scooped edge to the rim, loop handle to the rear; body and neck painted with geometric motifs, red paint on the base and legs. 1.16 kg, 32.3 cm



UK collection, 1990s. Acquired on the UK art market, before 2000. Private collection, Mr M.V., a London-based businessman.

Artefacts from Amlash date from the late second millennium B.C. through to the Partho-Sasanian period, with most dated to the 9th and 8th centuries B.C. Zoomorphic drinking or ritual vessels are abundant in Amlash pottery and usually feature depictions of animals common to that region. Such vessels have been recovered across Mesopotamia and Anatolia, and they were known as Bibru. They were produced as ceremonial drinking vessels, dedicated to specific deities, but they might also have served as drinking vessels for the social elite and royal family members.

Fragment of a fertility figure with applied breasts, hair, mouth and eyes; nose absent. 33.9 grams, 58 mm



Acquired from John L. Homan, Lincolnshire, UK, 1991. Accompanied by the original receipt dated 28 September 1991.