18th-15th century BC. A haematite (?) cylinder seal with figures, symbols and animals, accompanied by a museum-quality impression and a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: Cylinder Seal of Black Stone, 21 x 11 mm. Three standing figures in a group are the main features of the design. On the right stands a male figure wearing a short kilt and raising one hand whole holding the other at the chest. Facing him is first a worshipper in long robe falling in creases and raising both hands. Behind this figure is a second worshipping figure, in long fringed robe and raising one hand while holding the other at the waist. There is a crescent moon in the sky between the two facing figures. There are four fillers: a seated monkey, a scorpion, a dog on its haunches with rod rising from the top of its head, and a lion-headed symbol mounted on a standard. This is an Old Babylonian seal from Babylonia or a neighbouring area, c. 1900-1600 B.C. It is in very good condition and has a very full design. The lion-head is a symbol of both the goddess Ishtar and the god Nergal (both deities of war); the dog is the symbol of Gula, goddess of healing; the scorpion of Ish?ara, goddess of love; and it is not known which deity is represented by the sitting monkey. The standing figure on the left must be a god from his position in the scene, but he is not identified. 4.09 grams, 21mm (3/4"). Property of a London gentleman; aquired in the late 1970s and 1980s. This lot is part of a single collection of cylinder seals which were examined in the 1980s by Professor Lambert and most are accompanied by his own detailed notes; the collection has recently been reviewed by Dr. Ronald Bonewitz.

Fine condition.