Western Asiatic Steatite Seal with Animals

Modelled as a nude figure with wide hips and disproportionate arms, head absent. 3.02 grams, 25 mm



Acquired from Lowerdes Antiquaries, 1984. Private collection, London, UK.

Comprising a discoid body with raised inverted rim, a stylised head of a bird(?) to the top with large ring-and-dot eyes; pierced for suspension; restored. 14.40 grams, 51 mm



From the stock of a former UK antiquarian, acquired at trade fairs and from private collection formed in the 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Europe.

With animals and figures; 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. 24 x 10 mm. The design is based on the principle of symetry. In the centre are two reared-up composite animals: bodies of quadrupeds, but wings and heads of birds. Beneath them is a human figure on one knee, nude save for belt around the waist, holding out both hands, each hand over a bird. To either side of this group is a standing man, in short kilt, the one on the right holding one hand at the waist, holding down the other. The one on the left is raising one hand but holding down the other. Above the scene is a vulture with wings spread, and to each side of it a scorpion above a 'flying saucer'. A geometrical figure (two triangles with points meeting) alone straddles the division of the scene. This is a Mitanni seal, c. 1500-1200 B.C., from any part of the area from the eastern Mediterranean to Kurdistan. It is an unusual design, and fine quality work. The piece is in good state of preservation.'; accompanied by a museum quality impression and a pair of red stone beads. 7.98 mm, 24 mm



Private collection, London, UK. 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.