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LOT 0238
Western Asiatic Stone Animal Seal
CIRCA 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
4 in. (308 grams total, 10.2 cm wide including stand).
Triangular in profile with suspension hole at the apex, underside with ropework border interrupted by a recumbent stag with large antlers facing a palm tree.
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1969-1999; thence by descent.
LiteratureCf. similar in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum under accession no.75.55.11.
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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Western Asiatic Steatite Cylinder Seal with Birds
Circa 3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
With incised and drilled bird motifs. 8.8 grams, 17 mm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector; collection no.02. London collection, 2016. -
Western Asiatic Gold Butterfly Bead
4th millennium B.C.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Composed of sheet-gold; of oval form with two everted collars. 3.01 grams, 35 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. -
Early Sassanian Silver Footed Bowl
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
The lower body formed as slender flutes in relief, concentric rings to the interior, resting on a flaring shallow foot, possibly Parthian. 590 grams, 18.8 cm wide
Acquired on the London art market, 1971-1974. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11785-206404.
The wealth of the Sassanid court has been confirmed by archaeological excavations that have unearthed shallow vessels, among which bowls forged from precious metals like silver, likely used to drink wine in the palaces and at the court of the Šāhanšāh (King of Kings). The production of silver vessels and dinner objects for the court was highly centralised within the empire. In the 5th and 6th century A.D., this production expanded, creating new shapes, such as pitchers, elliptical bowls and high footed bowls, also used by the middle class. This vessel is continuing the tradition of the vessels in the Arsacid court.
