Description:

Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia or southwestern Iran, Akkadian Empire, ca. 2300 to 2200 BCE. A finely preserved cylindrical stamp seal carved from creamy white stone with pink and blood red inclusions that is pierced for suspension. Inscribed around the cylinder is an abstract program depicting a pair of lions attacking two horned animals, and flaking the carnage is a pair of bladed heroes coming to rescue the helpless beast. The warriors in this scene are illustrated with large coiffures and holding two blades. Custom putty impression included. Size (seal): 0.625" W x 1.2" H (1.6 cm x 3 cm)

A catalogued description from Near Eastern scholar Winfred Lambert (1926 - 2011) reads, "A contest scene of a single group is shown. In the centre are two crossed lions each attacking a horned animal and at each end of the scene a hero, nude with a big shock of hair, is coming to the rescue. A vertical ruling serves as a terminal. This is an Akkadian seal from Mesopotamia or south-west Iran, c. 2300-2200 B.C. It is well engraved, but worn and a little damaged." Signed "W.G. Lambert."

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private prominent D.K. collection, New York, USA, acquired in the 2000s and with a catalogued description from near eastern scholar Winfred Lambert (1926 - 2011)

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#156223

  • Condition: Stone nicked atop upper periphery near lions' heads, with minor softening to some inscribed details, otherwise intact and very good. Nice smooth surfaces throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

July 1, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000