Circa 3000 BC. A marble Jemdet Nasr cylinder seal with oval, criss-cross and chevron patter; accompanied by a museum-quality impression and an old scholarly note by G.W. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: Cylinder seal of pink marble. The design consists of a pattern of lines and shapes, the whole between the upper and lower rulings. Four oval shapes are put in a row in the middle, and one side is filled with criss-cross, the outer side with a mixture of chevrons and some criss-cross. This is a Sumerian Jemdet Nasr seal, c. 3000 BC. It is in fine condition, and the design is rare, possibly unique. It is based on water creatures, which are depicted at this time with oval bodies. 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. 10.05 grams, 20mm (3/4").

Very fine condition. Rare, possibly unique.