Western Asiatic Illuminated Quran Manuscript Page

Scaraboid in black glass with gryphon to the underside beneath transverse band with 'ΡΙIΛΚΧ' inscription. 3.53 grams, 17 mm



From an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva.

Openwork discoid seal with anthropomorphic motif; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze. 57x59x17 mm. This is round, with flat compartmented and open-work face. The back has a stout suspension loop. The design on the face is of a standing creature -- human with bird's head -- and filling shapes. This comes from West Central Asia and dates to c. 2300-1900 B.C. It is a rare design and the seal is in fair condition: some of the edge of the plain outer band is lost.' 53 grams, 58 mm



Ex Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection number Y-905, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s.

Carved with a contest scene comprising two winged male figures attacking a rearing bull-headed winged beast; the figure before the beast gripping its front leg and holding a sceptre, one foot placed on the corpse of a goat or a ram; the figure behind holding a sceptre and a raised club or khopesh in the act of striking the beast from behind; possibly some re-engraving. 20.9 grams, 40 mm



Ex property of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1970-1990s, thence by descent. Accompanied by a previous typed cataloguing card.