Western Asiatic Steatite Cylinder Seal with Figures

Hemispherical in profile with narrow rim, frieze of perching birds in relief, each with a pellet eye, stub beak, large comma-shaped hatched wing and leg held horizontally beneath the body; rim chipped. 273 grams, 11.2 cm



with Holy Lands House, Israel, 1960s. Private collection, 2005. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.12595-232195. 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.

The chlorite stone vessels of early Bactria were kidney-shaped vessels with simple geometric decoration or, like our specimen, semi-circular. Small cylindrical vases were used as cosmetic containers, together with chlorite cosmetic flasks.

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, 19.5 x 13 mm. Two standing human figures are striking with big clubs, the one at a seated (fallen?) human, the other at an uncertain depiction. A third standing human (inactive) and two quadrupeds make up the scene. From Syria or Anatolia, c. 2600-2300 B.C. Condition: edges worn, but the design still sharp.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 6.76 grams, 19 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.

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, 19 x 11 mm. Standing human with big shock of hair, resting one hand on the head of a child; quadruped standing on base-line with 'delta' between legs; pecking bird, tree, bull's horns (?), combined star and crescent, fly, and one or two unidentified items. The whole design is put between rules. Levantine, c. 1200-900 B.C. An unusual design. Condition: good.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.06 grams, 18 cm



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.