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

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 to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#177832

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.