Loading, please wait...
LOT 0222
Western Asiatic Steatite Seal with Animals
3300-2900 B.C.
2 3/8 in. (38.9 grams, 61 mm).
Rectangular in plan and triangular in section with a median hole, flat face with incuse frieze of ibexes.
ProvenanceAcquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent.
Private collection, since the late 1990s.
Cf. a similar procession of Ibexes on a seal from Kish, in Wilson, J.A., Allen, T.G., Ancient Oriental Cylinder and Other Seals, with a description of the collection of Mrs William H. Moore, Chicago, 1940, fig.15.
FootnotesSome stamp seals from the period of transition between Jemdat Nasr and the Early Dynastic Period of Ur represent animals, and some scholars suggest that they were probably used as pendants or amulets. The animals are somewhat simplified and often reduced to mere lines: a file of animals usually forms the basis of such a pattern.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Western Asiatic Alabaster Vessel with Lug Handles
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Carved bag-shaped body with two lateral unpierced lug handles at the shoulder, flared rim to the mouth. 984 grams, 12.5 cm
Ex William Ohly, 1883-1955. Ex Abbey Museum, Barnet, by descent. -
Bactrian Style Lapis Lazuli Bead Necklace String
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Composed of tubular and tongue-shaped tabular beads, restrung. 49.7 grams, 33 cm
Acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. Ex London, UK, collection. -
Middle Elamite Copper Figure of a Worshipper
Circa 1500–1100 B.C.Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,000
Figure of a worshipper with the hands raised at the waist and standing barefoot on a rectangular plinth, wearing a dress without any visible seams, the embroidery and pattern of the fabric represented by a concentric chevron design; stylised facial features and large almond-shaped eyes, thick twisted roll of fabric holding the hair with a small knot at the top; set on a custom-made stand. 106 grams total, 87 mm including stand
with Mr Modjallal Iradj, France. Acquired by a London, UK gallery, 18 March 1977. Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13370-257696.
The Elamite culture was an important civilisation in the ancient Near East that lasted for many centuries, from the 3rd millennium to the 6th century BC. They developed their own style of art, metalwork, and seal designs, as well as their own form of cuneiform writing. Although the Elamites were eventually absorbed into later empires, many aspects of their culture continued to influence the ancient world around them. Objects of this type are understood to be ritual or votive gifts.
