Description:

Ancient Sumeria/Mesopotamia, ca. 11th century BCE. A small steatite cylinder seal, its surface engraved in intaglio with a pair of figures standing before a lord or deity, stars above. When rolled in wet clay the resulting impressions create a sophisticated scene, as demonstrated on the pottery slab accompanying this piece. Cylinder seals like this example are regarded among the most admirable artistic achievements of ancient Mesopotamian civilization. Cylinder seals were used to mark and identify personal property as well as make legal documents binding. Their popularity spread to surrounding civilizations including those of Egypt and the Indus Valley. Here we have a wonderful example in choice condition. Size: seal measures .25" in diameter x .75" H (0.6 cm x 1.9 cm); clay display measures 5.125" L x 1.125" H (13 x 2.9 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Sarkisian Gallery, Denver, CO, acquired in the 1950's. Displayed, Denver Art Museum, 1960's.

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#112763

  • Condition: Choice

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March 31, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000