3rd millennium BC. A marble cylinder seal with frieze of women and pots; accompanied by a museum-quality impression and typed and signed scholarly note issued by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Cylinder Seal of Pink Marble 16 x 15mm. The design is a frieze of three women squatting on mats with hands extended. Two of these women are holding pots in their hands, with a second pot under the one being held, while the third woman has nothing in her hands. Of the four pots three have two handles. This is a Jemdet Nasr Sumerian seal, c.3000 B.C. It is in very good condition, and is a nice example of its kind. It is believed that the design shows women at work as potters in an early factory. The design was achieved mainly with the drill, but also with a little use of the graver.' 7.15 grams, 16mm (3/4"). 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.

Fine condition.