Western Asiatic Ornate Gold Bead

Openwork seal with a triangular loop on the reverse, 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, 52 x 51 x 22 mm. This is round, with flat face and flat back, on which a large handle of inverted V-shape is mounted. The design is both compartmented and open-work. It consists of a rosette, with inner circle, band around that, and ten 'petals' from this circle, giving the shape of the piece. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is covered with incrustation, which could be removed. The metal beneath appears to be in good condition, as is the piece generally.' 42.3 grams, 51 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly report, numbered R-517, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert.

Doughnut-shaped body and a round socket. 431 grams, 73 mm



From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman, 1990s.

Discoid footed dish with raised rim, central tondo with parcel-gilt ring and 'tamga' motif. 466 grams, 22 cm



Private collection, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13029-247330.

During the Sasanian Empire, the North Iranian ‘tamgas’ became ‘Neshan’ or seals and heraldic symbols of nobility and military personnel, worn on their dress, horses, standards and personal belongings like this vessel. This characteristic continued during the early Muslim domination. Among the Neshan published by Christensen, one particular ‘tamga’, related to an unknown Sasanian clan, recalls exactly half of the one impressed on the present example (Farrokh, 2005, p.23 no.5).