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LOT 1253
Western Asiatic Old Babylonian Haematite Cylinder Seal
EARLY 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
3/4 in. (5.35 grams, 20 mm).
With frieze comprising two seated figures facing each other, each holding a cup in one hand, farahavar above and rearing scorpion below; frond scene divider; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenanceFrom the 'S' collection, acquired 1970-1990s.
The collection was seen and studied by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993.
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.
Cf. Teissier, B., Ancient Near Eastern Cylinder Seals in the Marcopoli Collection, Berkeley, 1984, item 97, for type.
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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Mitanni Faience Cylinder Seal with Men and Animals
1500-1200 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £163
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 faience, Green, 30 x 15 mm. The designs, which is marked off by a rule above and below, consists of a stag or other such horned animal and three sideways men. The stag [is] half on its haunches, and with its head turned sideways for effect. The three men have match-stick legs, but better-formed bodies and effective heads. The seal is in very good condition. This is a Mitanni common-style seal, c. 1500-1200 B.C., and may have come from a wide area of the Near East, from Palestine, Syria, southern Anatolia or Northern Meesopotamia [sic]'; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 8.32 grams total, 8.1-30 mm
UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in August 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. -
Western Asiatic Gold Ornamental Pendant
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Comprising a long shank with a loop above and applied filigree wire to the main body, globular finial with applied pellet pyramids. 2.84 grams, 25 mm
Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s. 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. -
Achaemenid Bronze Phiale Mesomphalos
6th-4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
With flanged rim, central mesomphalos boss surrounded by radiating lotus petals. 167 grams, 16.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. 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.
Phiale mesomphalos (literally: bowl with central boss) were the most popular form of vessel and were produced in a number of materials, including clay, bronze, silver and gold. They are a distinctive type of Achaemenid tableware, made by hammering or raising sheet metal, with decoration added in repoussé. They were used in banquets held by the nobility and for pouring libations at religious festivals. Phiales of this kind were a common gift from the Achaemenid king to the nobility which helped cement alliances among the different tribes of the Empire. The central boss to the underside allowed the user to secure their fingers and ensure a solid grip whilst drinking or pouring.
