Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, Sumer / Babylon, ca. 1894 to 500 BCE. A cylinder seal hand-carved from vibrant blue lapis lazuli and set in an electrum setting - composed of 71.7% (equivalent 17K+) gold and 25% silver! The stone is engraved with linear figures: a king or lord seated upon a chair with 2 people before him, and a vertical tree or palm frond. This is a popular motif for seals, symbolizing the seal's owner being presented to a king by a protective spirit or goddess, known as Lamma or Lammasaga. A central perforation through the axis enables suspension and the electrum cap was ornamental - perhaps the seal was worn like a pendant or on a belt when not in use. Size: 1.25" L x 0.5" Diameter (3.2 cm x 1.3 cm); electrum quality: 71.7% (equivalent 17K+) gold, 25% silver; weight: 10.8 grams

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#177832

  • Condition: Nicks and surface wear to lapis, light mineral deposits in recessed areas. Electrum cap is reattached with adhesive which clogs suspension hole, and tiny tear to rim. Overall great condition.

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May 18, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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