Western Asiatic Mixed Bead Group

Cylinder with cord and bead handles; accompanied by a copy of 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 Hematite, 26.5 x 15 mm. The design consists of two pairs of figures. The one consists of two standing figures: the one on the right is a deity, whether male or female is not clear, wearing a smooth hat and a long robe open at the front from which one leg projects. One hand is held at the waist, the other grasps a scimitar. Facing is a nude male figure holding a small bucket in one hand and a small vessel in the other, apparently to sprinkle water from the bucket. It is not known if this figures is meant as a human priest or a minor god. Between this pair in the sky are three dots. The other pair consists of a victor wearing dress that only reaches the knees. His feet are apart, and his one raised hand holds a weapon, while in the other is a seven-fold item, either meant as a revolving weapon, or as a 'multiple club'. (Some have suggested that it is a sling.) The victor's victim is kneeling, and turns back to face his oppressor and plead with raised arm. The victor's one foot rests on the leg of the victim so that he cannot escape. The identity of this victor is so far unknown. This seal is Old Babylonian, from southern Iraq or a neighbouring area, and dates from c. 1900 - 1700 B.C. Though there is some wear and corrosion, the whole design is clear.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 15.9 grams, 26 mm



UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in July 1990. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

With rounded body and narrow base, tubular spout with everted rim; the body with intersecting linear decoration. 252 grams, 14.6 cm



with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Cylinder with cord and bead handles; accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Description of Cylinder Seal of soft black stone, 29 x 12 mm. A standing human-looking figure with short kilt and mane of hair (or helmet with mane) holds a spear in one hand, a stone(?) in the other. He is facing a horned quadruped with raised tail, and between them there is a tree and smaller, distinct quadruped. There are two linear devices on the base-line, and a rule above encloses the engraving. This is a rare type of seal, probably from Syria or Anatolia, and c. 1000-800 B.C. The plume is the most significant point, but knowledge is not yet so far advanced that this seal can be confidently attributed to a particular culture. As such, it is extremely interesting. The condition is fine.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 7.65 grams, 23 mm



UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in October 1987. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.