Western Asiatic Marbled Agate Cylinder Seal with Scorpions

Cylinder seal with frieze; accompanied by 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 Soft Black Stone. 37 x 25 mm. There are two standing human-looking figures, both clad in robes reaching to mid-calf level, and both having one hand raised. The one faces a tree or bush, the other standing against a background design of uncertain interpretation seems to hold a long spear downwards. The remaining space is divided up by two notched lines, on the top of one of which a bird is perching, and the remaining space is filled with a scorpion, a lion, a quadruped and another bird, while a lunar crescent and very small star occupy an area in the sky. The whole design is placed between upper and lower rulings. This is a Syrian seal, c. 2000-1800 B.C. done in a crude style but one full of interest. It is large and in fine condition and though the style is known, seals of this large size and with such a varied design are extremely rare.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 35 grams, 38 mm



The Collection of Mrs William H. Moore, Eisen, University of Chicago, 1940, no.188. The Ada Moore Collection of Near Eastern Seals, Sotheby's, New York, Thursday, 12 December 1991, no.92. Accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1992.

Cylinder seal mounted on a card backing with wooden edging; plaster impression; old collector's handwritten notes '40. Néo Assyrien 9°-7° siècle Av.J.C. Calcedoine. Thème du maître des animaux saisissant deux bouquetins. Au centre de la ronde des animaux se tient un griffon ailé. Dans le champ, étoile d'Ishtar. Derrière le héros se dresse un lion qui s'apprête à saisir un bouquetin cabré.' (40. Neo-Assyrian. 9th-7th century BC. Theme of the master of animals seizing two ibexes. In the centre of the circle of animals stands a winged gryphon. In the field, the star of Ishtar. Behind the hero appears a lion who prepares to seize a rearing ibex.); supplied with a museum-quality impression. 31 grams total, seal: 24 mm



Antonovitch Gallery, Paris, 1978. Chesnes Gallery, Lyon, 1982. Acquired at Drouot, Paris, 2022. Private collection, London, UK.

D-shaped in profile with a round-section loop and incuse sockets to accept inlay in contrasting colours (mostly absent); obverse with a reserved scene of two opposed human-headed scorpions with ribbed detailing advancing below two smaller scorpions placed perpendicular to them; reverse with a median eagle with wings extended and feather detailing, flanked by rearing serpents and other animals. 3.81 kg, 26.2 cm



Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s. Private collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13285-253383.