Western Asiatic Stone Cylinder Seal Group

Square in plan with chamfered sides and ribbed loop above; incuse motif of an advancing bull. 1.87 grams, 12.13 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Square stamp seal with segmented face; 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 37 x 35 x 19 mm. This is a roughly square with flat face and flat back, on which a handle of inverted U-shape is mounted. The design is compartmented and open-work. It consists of an outer band within which a simple cross divided the area into quarters, though only one bar of this cross reaches both ends, the transverse bar is divided into two parts. Each quarter thus created is filled with an L-shape, creating a small square at each outer corner. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. The outer edges are dented and the corners worn, but while there is incrustations on most of the surface, this could be removed.' 26 grams, 37.6 mm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. Accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor W.G. Lambert with reference no.R-499.

With incuse frieze; accompanied by 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 26 x 13. The scene consists of two pairs of figures. In the one pair the noon-god Sin is seated on an angular stool, with small footstool. He is wearing a horned tiara and long flounced robe, and holds up a pole with the lunar crescent on the top. In front of him stands a Lahmu-hero, nude save for a triple-stranded belt, with big beard and curls either side of his face, clasping his hands. The other pair consists of a standing god in horned tiara and long pleated robe open at the front, from which one leg projects with foot resting on a snake-dragon. This god holds up a wedge in one hand. Facing him is a worshiper in a long pleated robe, offering in his arms a kid to the god. There is one filler: a large fly. This is an Old Babylonian seal, from Mesopotamia, c. 1900-1700 B.C. It is in good condition, and is an interesting example of its type; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 11.86 grams, 25 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, 1992.