Description:

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Ancient Near East, Sumeria, ca. 3rd to 2nd millennium BCE. A delicate lapis lazuli stamp seal bead, pierced through vertically for suspension, bearing a fascinating image of two standing anthropomorphic figures who seem to be in conversation with one another. Each wears a tunic and distinctive crested helmet. The use of lapis lazuli speaks to the power and reach of the Sumerians; the raw stone used to make this seal probably traveled along a trade route from the region of modern day Afghanistan. Once made this seal would have been treasured by a single individual, who would have worn it on a bracelet or necklace, ready to be taken off and rolled across soft clay to produce a signature. Size: 0.75" W x 2.35" H (1.9 cm x 6 cm)

Lapis lazuli is one of the rarer materials used to make these special objects; see a similar example that sold at Christie's London on October 6, 2011 (Lot 22) for GBP 1625 (approximately $2700 USD).

Provenance: private Zaveloff collection, Lakewood, New Jersey, USA, acquired at auction before 2004

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.

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#151419

  • Condition: Light wear on surface commensurate with age including some small chips and scratches; the motifs are nicely preserved with light deposits, mainly in the lower profile areas. Accompanied by a clay rollout of the motifs.

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December 12, 2019 7:00 AM PST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$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