Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, Sumer, Early Dynastic period, ca. 2900 to 2350 BCE. A fine tabloid seal hand-carved from vibrant blue lapis lazuli to feature the central figure of a king or god facing right while holding a vanquished animal - likely a lion - in each hand - also known as the Master of Animals motif. Lapis was a heavenly stone - a brilliant blue with shimmering pyrite and white calcite striations like clouds, as if the stone fell to earth from the sky. The earliest recorded texts from Egypt and Near Eastern cultures mention lapis, however the stone was mined in the distant northeastern region of Afghanistan - transported westward or south overseas where it eventually arrived in Egypt and Mesopotamia via the extensive trade networks or as diplomatic gifts between cultures. Custom puddy impression included. Size: 0.6" W x 0.5" H (1.5 cm x 1.3 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-T.W. collection, acquired from a gentleman's lifetime collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, acquired in the 1980s - 1990s

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#176552

Intact and excellent with nice preservation of detail.