Western Asiatic Stone Cylinder Seal Trial Piece

Frieze with two full-length standing figures in ankle-length robes each holding a feather towards a pillar with sun-disc above, crouching human worshipper to one side, labrys to the other; scene in two registers with guilloche border between, gryphon above with one foreleg raised, ibex below, crouching with tail raised; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 14 grams, 31 mm



From the 'S' collection, acquired 1970-1990s. The collection was seen and studied by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12248-222164.

Comprising a quantity of mixed beads in lapis lazuli, shell, carnelian, agate, glass, ceramic and others. 87 grams total, 3-19 mm



UK gallery, early 2000s.

There are mainly two types of beads, drawn beads (when the tubes are cut in a short segments, which are usually agitated over heat to smooth off the sharp edges) or wound beads (made by wrapping molten glass around a rock, stick or wire). Once the bead is formed, it can be further pressed or paddled into shape, placed in a mould, or decorated with other colours of glass.

Free-standing, with a pinched, bird-like face, conical headdress or hairstyle, ornamental collar and stub arms; splayed foot. 57 grams, 13.5 cm high



Acquired in the 1970s. Ex European private collection.