1400-1000 BC. A bitumen cylinder seal with three walking men in kilts and holding vessels, between are further vessels, fish, birds and flowers; accompanied by by a museum-quality impression and an old scholarly note by W.G Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: Cylinder seal of bitumen. The design, which is put between upper and lower rulings, shows a row of three walking men in short kilts. The first is behind a stand holding a large strainer below which is a vessel to catch the filtered wine. The second man is holding a vessel with bulbous body and short neck. The third is holding up a fan. Between the second and third is a stand with four tall vessels. Above this scene are two plant shoots, a fish, a rosette, two rhombs, and a row of four storks on the wing. this comes from south-set Iran and dates to c. 1400-1000 BC. It is a little damaged at top and bottom, but the design is clear and is interesting. The seal has been joined from two pieces. Property of a London gentleman; part of his family collection since the 1970s. 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. 9.36 grams, 41mm (1 1/2").

Fine condition.