Western Asiatic Stone Macehead

Cylinder with cord and bead handles; 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 Black Stone, 23.5 x 10.5 mm. The design shows a standing figure dressed on a long robe open at the front from which one leg projects while holding out both hands, one up the other more down. Before him is a standing quadruped with horns, and in the sky is the lunar crescent. This is a rare Iranian seal type from South West Iran, dating c. 800-500 B.C. So far none have some from excavations, but they have been known on the market for some time. They all share the characteristic pose of the hands and a certain crudity of execution. This one is in fine condition.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.9 grams, 23 mm



UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in July 1991. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Cylinder with cord and bead handles; 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, 19 x 11.5 mm. The major part of the design consist of a seated figure, no doubt a god, holding up one hand in greeting to a standing figure, meant as a human worshipper, who similarly hold up one hand. Between them is a table with elegant legs on which rests a pile of breads. Above this is a motif probably intended as a stylized bull's head. The minor part of the design consists of a row of five walking men, the first raising one hand, the last carrying a crook over his shoulder. This is a Syrian seal, c. 1900-1700 B.C. and though the stone is somewhat worn, the design is fully clear.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 7.5 grams, 18 mm



UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in August 1991. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Carved as a human figure in three parts: body with rows of overlapping tufts of fur, shallow socket to accept the head and broad collar below; the bald head carved from marble with semi-naturalistic detailing to the face; headdress (or wig) with a flared outer flange. 1.54 kg total, 3.9-14 cm



Acquired from a gallery in France and brought to the United Kingdom in 1982; thence by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12713-235197. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.