SEALS & ANTIQUITIES from ANCIENT TURKMENIA & BACTRIA
The objects in the following auction lots are from Bronze Age cultures in Central Asia. Scholars did most of the official archaeological world’s modern published work in this region from the former Soviet Union. Those studies were precipitated by that country’s political and military incursions into the State of Afghanistan. Although some excavated artifacts were brought into the Soviet Union and some made their way to the National
Afghan Museum in Kabul, many artifacts were disbursed by clandestine local diggers who found the soldiers of the Peace Corps to be keen buyers of the objects. Many of the objects found their way into private collections such as this collection, which was begun around 1975. The works of Masson, Sarianidi and Ligabue will be mentioned in the text as references for the objects offered for sale.
STONE STAMP SEALS
212. TURKMENIA, Margiana V, c. 2500-2000 BC. A round carved alabaster stamp seal with a drilled design of a seated man; his arms and legs akimbo. The edge is serrated and the raised loop (for suspension) on the back was broken off in antiquity. D:22 mm. See Sarianidi, Die Kunst Des Alten Afghanistan, p. 253, fig. 86 on bottom. Considerable work was invested in this seal. $200View
213. TURKMENIA, Namazga V, c. 2500-2000 BC. A round carved alabaster stamp seal with drilled designs of seven clusters of drill points totaling ten with five drill points in the seal’s center. The edge of the seal is serrated like the first. The careful placement of seventy-five distinct drill points suggests that this seal had some sort of arithmetical or mystic use. The suspension loop on the back is completely intact on this fine seal. D: 40 mm. V. M. Masson, Altyn-Depe, 1988, pl. XVI, #17. $450View
214. TURKMENIA, Namazga V, c.2000 BC. A pair of round carved alabaster stamp seals with a central drill hole surrounded by four clusters of four or more drill points each. The suspension loop on the backs are intact on these fine seals. D: 19 mm Masson, op. cit. $250/2View
215. TURKMENIA, Margiana, c.2000 BC. A round carved two-sided stamp seal with a quadruped resembling a French poodle complete with haircut on one side and a stippled or dotted circular surface with three dots breaking the circle. Pierced through the side for suspension. Sarianidi, Art of Afghanistan, p. 225. $150View
216. TURKMENIA, Altyn Depe, prior to 2000 BC. A serrated edge around a marble stamp seal with drill design of a mighty god or warrior in combat with serpent-like monsters. A wonderful patina covers the stone, a strange inset square on the back represents the placement for a handle. D: 5 cm. Sarianidi, op. cit., p. 224 top for similar style and pp. 256-257. A GREAT SEAL! $3500View
217. TURKMENIA / BACTRIA c. 2000 BC. A round steatite stamp seal with a ten-petal rosette on one side which apparently was inlaid in antiquity. The other side depicts a walking nude hero, his arms akimbo, and his hair in a pigtail. The edge was pierced three times leaving six small holes for suspension of for dangling beads. The man appears to have been drawn by the artist at a later date than the rosette. Unpublished type. D: 45mm. See G. Ligabue, Bactria, Venice, 1988, p. 168, fig. 13. The piece is intact and virtually perfect and very rare. The seal may have started as a rosette in Turkmenia and in the course of time found its way East to Bactria where a celator engraved the man. $1000View
218. BACTRIA, c. 2000 BC. A chlorite stone stamp seal with a handle in back. The main motif depicts a standing horned stag within an inner circle, around the edge is an oval design. with twenty ovals. Dia: 7 cm. Unpublished in stone. The closest piece was published by Tosi, EAST AND WEST, “Excavations at Shahr I Sokht,a,” fig. 106 for similar size and material seal. A most impressive piece. $1500View
219. BACTRIA, c. 2000 BC. A small square stamp seal carved from camel? bone with five circular “target bull’s eye” circles. Simple and perfect . Dim: 20 x 18 mm. Cp. Sarianidi, op. cit. p. 247. $175View
220. BACTRIA, c. 2000 BC. A small square stamp seal carved from steatite with five circular “target bull’s eye” circles. A notch is on the center of each side and the handle is a little flatter than above example. Dim: 21 mm square. $250View
221. BACTRIA, MURGHAB BASIN, (Margiana), c. 2000 BC. A chlorite two-sided stamp seal with deeply serrated edge. Side one depicts a standing bull with stripes across his body with tail up; the other side depicts an undulating serpent. Drilled through each side for suspension. Dim: 32 x 26 mm. See Sarianidi p. 231, top, and p.247 and his article, “Seal-Amulets of the Murghab Style” in P. Kohl, editor, The Bronze Age Civilization of Central Asia, for similar description. A choice seal. $500View
222. BACTRIA, MURGHAB BASIN, (Margiana), c. 2000 BC. A chlorite two sided stamp seal; a standing lion with three stripes across its body; the other side shows an undulating serpent complete with open mouth and fangs. ready to swallow a small bird. Sariandi, Bactria, p. 253. Dim: 40x36 mm. A wonderful large double-sided seal. $650View
223. BACTRIA, MURGHAB BASIN, (Margiana), c. 2000 BC. A chlorite two sided stamp seal; a standing horned stag in a bower of bow-shaped designs. A large undulating snake with open mouth about to swallow a smaller snake with fish-like creatures between the large snake’s curling body. Dim: 38 x 38 mm. Drilled through the center for suspension. Superb quality. $650View
224. BACTRIA, MURGHAB BASIN, (Margiana), c. 2000 BC. A two sided chlorite stamp seal of a standing bull facing a sword-like object with bow-shaped designs in field; the other side has a standing lion its tail up, three stripes on lion’s body to represent mane and similar bow designs like those on bull’s, side of this outstanding seal. Drilled through the center for suspension cord. 44mm square. $700View
225. BACTRIA, MURGHAB BASIN, (Margiana), c. 2000 BC. A two sided stamp seal in boldly carved serpentine; on one side a lion and serpent in combat. On the other side a raptor over rabbit. Unusually fine work for this Bactrian culture. Dia: 33 x 21 mm. See Sarianidi , Bactria, p.258. $850View
226. BACTRIA, MURGHAB BASIN, (Margiana), c. 2000 BC. A two sided stamp seal in dark chlorite with a lion atop an antelope both above a serpent. The serpent was made by the drill technique while the other figures were carved in modeled style. The other side depicts a single hump camel with crescents around. D: 44 mm square. Drilled though center for suspension. Cp. Sarianidi, op. cit. #120. A choice seal with a one instead of the more obvious two humped or Bactrian camel depicted. $1250View
227. BACTRIA, MURGHAB BASIN, (Margiana), c. 2000 BC. A two sided stamp seal in dark chlorite with a lion stomping upon a serpent in the exergue; a bird flies above the lion which has three stripes and wears a collar. On the other side a bull, its tail up, with disjointed serpent around, and three stripes on bull’s . D: 53 x 48 mm. Sarianidi, p. 228, No. 108. Largest of these seals. $1600View
228. BACTRIA, MURGHAB BASIN, (Margiana), c. 2000 BC. A round two sided stamp seal in dark chlorite with an eagle atop a running hare, the ears of the hare are already in the eagles beak. A standing eagle, its wing spread and its head looking backward. Diameter 35 mm. Sarianidi, op. cit. p. 236. A choice seal with close attention to detail, pierced for suspension. $500View
229. BACTRIA, MURGHAB BASIN, (Margiana), c. 2000-1500 BC. A rectangular two sided stamp seal in dark chlorite on one side a central facing figure of a human with three antennae atop and small animal and snake figure designs in field all within a double linear frame. The other side is similarly framed with foreparts of animal designs throughout. Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 10 mm. This seal is not as boldly carved as the previous Margiana examples. The piece is either of somewhat later manufacture or from a peripheral region. Unpublished. This piece is also pierced for a suspension tie. $550View
All of the above chlorite stamps are somewhat convex on each side.
230. BACTRIA, MURGHAB BASIN, (Margiana), c. 2000-1500 BC. A rectangular two sided stamp seal in dark chlorite with one side convex and the other flat. On the convex side a serpent has its open mouth over a standing bird. The flat side depicts a standing bald man wearing a kilt helping a female to stand up from a sitting position on a chair. His back arm seems to be balancing what appears to be a dancing scene. 42 x 31 mm. cp. Sarianidi, ch. 10. Very few Margiana seals depict humans. This is a very rare piece. $1000View
231. BACTRIA, c. 1700-1500 BC. A steatite scaraboid shaped stamp seal with a warrior standing, wearing body armor, holds mace and cornucopia. Dim: 28 x19 x12 mm, pierced for suspension. Very fine work and very rare. $750View
METALLIC COMPARTMENTED SEALS
232. TURKMENIA, ALTYN-DEPE, c. 2500-2000 BC. A square bronze double-rimmed stamp seal with four quartered sections each with a floral petal. Dim: 35 x 33 mm, nice even green patina somewhat encrusted with dirt. $275View
233. TURKMENIA, ALTYN-DEPE, c. 2500-2000 BC. A bronze star-like compartmented stamp seal with eight star points and handle on back. Heavily encrusted with a thick green patina. D: 41 mm. $200View
234. TURKMENIA, ALTYN-DEPE, c. 2500-2000 BC. A bronze like compartmented stamp seal with two crosses side by side. The large loop in back was twisted in antiquity to give it an extra visual flourish. H: 24 mm. Nice! $250View
235. TURKMENIA, ALTYN-DEPE, c. 2500-2000 BC. A round silver compartmented stamp seal with a 3/4 length standing male figure with his hands at his waist, elbows fully bent. When turned 90 degrees the figure appears to be avian. D: 32 mm. cp. Ligabue, op. cit. fig. 15 F a bronze seal;. This rare piece is made from silver. $1000View
236. TURKMENIA, ALTYN-DEPE, c. 2500-2000 BC. A round silver compartmented stamp seal with linear framework as if it were a cloisonné framework. It is possible that some other materials, now missing, were in the over-all linear design. D: 34 mm. Intact with handle on back. $350View
237. PROTOHISTORIC BACTRIA, c. 2000 BC. A round copper stamp seal with outer circle rim. The inner circle is divided into four quadrants each with three chevrons. Cp. Ligabue, op. cit, p. 168, fig.17. D: 42 mm. $400View
238. AFGHANISTAN, DASHLY SITE, c. 2000 BC. A square bronze compartmented stamp seal with a spatial layout similar to the Dashly complex temple. See Ligabue, op. cit., pp18-19 for temple layout and for seals similar to this one. 35 x 36 mm, with loop in back. Fine, smooth greenish brown patina. Excellent quality. $400View
239. AFGHANISTAN, DASHLY SITE, c. 2000 BC. A square bronze open-worked cast stamp seal with a spatial layout similar to the Dashly complex temple. This piece with round circles in each corner. See Ligabue, op. cit., pp18-19 for temple layout and for seals similar to this one. 40mm square. Thicker green patina. $325View
UNUSUAL BACTRIAN STAMP SEALS
240. PROTOHISTORIC BACTRIA, c. 2000 BC. A round copper stamp seal compartmented with two human figures engaged in wrestling positions with the right arm of one figure above the other. The back side has a pointed handle and a rim of circles that go through the “wrestler’s side. D: 35 mm. cp. Ligabue, op. cit. p. 168 for somewhat similar seals. Rare and slightly encrusted, dark green patina. $600View
241. PROTOHISTORIC BACTRIA, c. 2000 BC. A round copper stamp seal compartmented with a four petal flower in the center; a circle of dots around the periphery. The handle side includes a tall 22 mm. high handle and a series of four molded stags, tail to head around the handle. D: 52 mm. cp. Ligabue, ibid., p. 169, fig. 17. There are no comparable examples for the stags. Nice green patina, some encrustation. Perhaps the finest seal in the collection. The stags resemble a style in Scythian art. $1500View
242. PROTOHISTORIC BACTRIA, c. 2000 BC. A round silver stamp seal compartmented with a seated pig-tailed weaver, his arms extended to the rim of the seal itself. D: 53 mm. cp. Ligabue, op. cit. p. 198 upper right seal. The quality and the simplicity of this rare silver stamp seal are exemplary. We rate this as the most expensive of the Bactrian seals in this auction. $2500View
243. PROTOHISTORIC BACTRIA, c. 2000 BC. A round copper stamp seal compartmented in the form of a scorpion with the handle intact. See Ligabue, ibid., p. 200, fig. 52 for similar seals. L: 43 mm. Green patina. Rare! $575View
244. LATER BACTRIA, c. 1500 BC. A smaller round stamp seal with a standing zebu (humped bull) amidst a field of drill marks. The handle on the reverse was worn down in antiquity, the intaglio strength of the seal is quite bold. D: 25 mm. Ex H. Hamidi collection. $375View
245. LATER BACTRIA, c. 1500 BC. A smaller round stamp seal with a seated nude male figure with linear field designs. D: 30mm. More worn than the above example, this piece too is missing the handle and comes from the Hamidi Collection. $375View
246. LATER BACTRIA, c. 1500 BC. A bronze stamp seal with a standing eagle intaglio in the center of a circular border of chevron designs around the circumference of the seal. It is unlike the traditional Altyn Depe compartmentalized seals. The reverse side has the usual central handle with a bas relief rosette design and a repetition of the chevron motif around the back’s circumference. D: 50 cm. Very rare. $1500View
SIMPLER AND SMALLER BACTRIAN BRONZE STAMP SEALS
247. LATER BACTRIA, c. 1500 BC. A bronze stamp seal with a stylized antelope and tall handle. D: 24mm. H: of handle 24mm. Very fine. $200View
248. LATER BACTRIA, c. 1500 BC. A bronze stamp seal with a three leaf triskeles design. Two examples are in this lot. Both looped for suspension. Dim: 20 mm. $300/2View
249. LATER BACTRIA, c. 1500 BC. A bronze stamp seal with a compartmenteddagger as the main symbol with a tall handle. Dim”20 x 15mm. Chipped on end. $175View
250. LATER BACTRIA, c. 1500 BC. A bronze stamp seal with a central cross, with chevron fillers. and back handle. Green patina. D: 20mm. Nice! $100View
251. LATER BACTRIA, c. 1500 BC. A bronze stamp seal with a cryptic design of geometric forms. Nice green patina. H: 22mm. See Sarianidi, op. cit. pp. 179, 225. $150View
252. LATER BACTRIA, c. 1500 BC. A bronze stamp seal with crescent designs in compartmented style. D: 18mm. D: 19 mm; H: 22 mm. Brown patina. $125View
253. LATER BACTRIA, c. 1500 BC. A bronze stamp seal with a corrupted swastika, one of the earliest examples of this now reviled symbol. H: 22mm, green patina. $100View
254. LATER BACTRIA, c. 1500 BC. A bronze stamp seal with a central cross, compartmented with the edges serrated. D: 20mm. Thick green patina. $100View
255. LATER BACTRIA, c. 1500 BC. A bronze stamp seal with a compartmented cross with a circle in the center. D: 22mm, the edge ratcheted, low handle, light green patina. $125View
256. LATER BACTRIA, c. 1500 BC. A bronze stamp seal with a central cross each end of which is covered with a crescent which extends to the rim. The handle appears to be a stylized bird. Heavily encrusted and interesting. D: 20mm. $150View
257. LATER BACTRIA, c. 1500 BC. A bronze stamp seal with a compartmented base depicting a quadruped animal design. D:19 mm, encrusted but intact and sharp. $150View
258. LATER BACTRIA, c. 1500 BC. A bronze stamp seal with a compartmented bronze stamp seal with three lobes, clover-leaf style. Thick green patina. 20mm. $100View
259. LATER BACTRIA, c. 1500 BC. A compartmented bronze stamp seal with serpent? design. 20mm. Hole filled in, Cleaning would improve. $100View
260. LATER BACTRIA, c. 1500 BC. A lot of four bronze stamp seals with round bases approximates 20mm. each with decent impressions. $300/4View
261. LATER BACTRIA, c. 1500 BC. A lot of six bronze stamp seals, five with round bases ranging in height from 15 to 30mm. $500/6View
262. INDIA, c. 900 AD. A similar stamp seal as the above types. This seal features the six pointed star. H: 30mm. $100View
TERRACOTTA BACTRIAN STAMP SEALS & MOULDS
263. PROTOHISTORIC BACTRIA, c. 2000 BC. A double sided spool shape stamp seal with a thirteen petal flower on one side and a fourteen petal flower on the other. Several petals still have inclusions of dirt. H: 40mm. Unpublished and rare. $225View
264. PROTOHISTORIC BACTRIA c. 2000 BC. A large terra cotta mold 9.6 cm. in diameter with a two horned stag the central design, a bird is below the stag and a bird’s head before the mouth of the stag all in a border of dots within two concentric circles. The back side is plain with no handle. There are no parallels in the references quoted here for these moulds. They were unearthed, we were told, with the chlorite seals offered above. Extraordinary. $750View
265. PROTOHISTORIC BACTRIA c. 2000 BC. A large terra cotta mold 9.0 cm. in diameter with a long bent-necked goose beside a serpent’s head in a similar border to the above piece. The back side is plain with no handle. There are no parallels in the references quoted here for these moulds. They were unearthed, we were told, with the chlorite seals offered above. Extraordinary with minor peripheral chips. $650View
266. PROTOHISTORIC BACTRIA c. 2000 BC. A large terra cotta mold 9.0 cm. in diameter with a long horned mountain goat in similar border to above. This border has extensive parts missing but the goat is virtually perfect. There are no parallels in the references quoted here for these moulds. They were unearthed, we were told, with the chlorite seals offered above. $600View
267. CLASSICAL BACTRIA, c.300-100 BC. A reddish terra cotta mold with a rider on bucking horse, perhaps a depiction of Alexander the Great on his horse Bucephalus within circle at et the edge. This is a completely different style mould than the above pieces. It has no handle. Their use is unknown. $650View
268. CLASSICAL BACTRIA, c.300-100 BC. A reddish terra cotta mold with a female rider atop a horse or hippocamp, a bird in field behind. The rider appears awkwardly upon the horse, her back and shoulders are clear, she appears to be nude. This is probably a classical scene from the days of Alexander’s incursion into Afghanistan. D:7.3 cm. There is a definite handle on the back. $600View
269. UZBEKISTAN, c. 1100-1300 AD. A crème colored terra cotta stamp or mould depicting a lion within rushes and serpents above. There is a tall extant handle in the back. See Kalten, Uzbekistan #265. Perfect. Diameter: 8 cm. $900View
270. UZBEKISTAN, c. 1100-1300 AD. Three crème colored terra cotta stamps or moulds depicting: a. bird; b. stag head, c. stylized design. Each of these small pieces has a large handle in the back. The first two pieces may be from the earlier Bactrian culture. The third piece has arabesque qualities. H: 38mm. All choice. $500/3View
271. BACTRIA, c. 2000 BC. A terracotta bottle stopper with applied human face. D: 45 mm. $175View
MISCELLANEOUS SMALL STAMP SEALS , AMULETS & BEADS
272. BACTRIA, MARGIANA, c. 2000 BC. A two sided stamp seal carved from a green jade-like piece of material. On one side a standing lion with his tail up, branches around. The reverse: a standing goat with similar branches. See Sarianidi, op. cit. pp. 256-260. Rare and sharply engraved with a small field chip on the reverse. $900View
273. BACTRIA, MARGIANA, c. 1700 BC. A small two sided steatite stamp seal, On one side is a standing idol between two large wings made of parallel incised lines. The reverse has a rampant goat on the right and a lion on the left, an anchor? between them, a small chip below lion. Pierced for wearing. $250View
274. TURKMENIA, NAMAZGA V, c. 2000 BC. A lapis lazuli two sided round stamp seal with a drilled serpent on one side and a figure similar to seal number one above with drilled design of a seated man; his arms and legs akimbo. D: 11mm. Drilled for wearing. $125View
For above lot and the following five lots see Ligabue Bactria, figure 47 for similar examples.
275. TURKMENIA, NAMAZGA V, c. 2000 BC. A lapis lazuli two sided round stamp seal with a drilled serpent on one side and a figure similar to above example. Also drilled for suspension. This piece is perfect and bit smaller, D: 10mm. $125View
276. TURKMENIA, NAMAZGA V, c. 2000 BC. A lot of four similar round double-sided stamp seals carved from different stones. D: 10mm. $275/4View
277. TURKMENIA, NAMAZGA V, c. 2000 BC. A lot of two stamp seals one round example in terra cotta with a four petal flower and tall handle, the other a rectangular white stone stamp with typical Namazga V drilled workmanship. Dim: 22mm, 15 x 12mm. $275/2View
278. TURKMENIA, NAMAZGA V, c. 2000-1800 BC. A small pyramidal stamp seal depicting a reclining sheep, crescent above on the base. Pierced near the top for wearing. H: 7mm. A sharp little seal. $200View
279. TURKMENIA, NAMAZGA V, c. 2000-1800 BC. A small pyramidal stamp seal carved from a green stone depicting a stag in simple stick form. H: 11mm. Drilled through the top for suspension. $125View
280. TURKMENIA, NAMAZGA V, c. 2000-1800 BC. An astragolos (knuckle bone) carved from lapis lazuli and used either as a weight or gaming piece. L: 31mm. ex Malter sale Nov. 24, 2002, lot 1. $300View
281. BACTRIA, c. 2000 BC. A white limestone carved head of the type used for the composite chlorite/limestone figures. 50m. See Ligabue, op. cit., p. 176, fig. 14 and fig. 47 upper right. Similar in style to Sumerian heads. Very rare. $1000View
282. BACTRIA, c. 2000 BC. A white marble amulet of a seated dog. The base is plain and obviously was meant to be engraved for a seal. L: 20mm. Pierced for suspension. Provenance ex. H. Hamidi. A charming primitive piece. $300View
283. BACTRIA, under the Greeks, c. 300 BC. A carved porphyry head of a horse, drilled for suspension on a necklace. Good detail. L: 27mm. Provenance ex. H. Hamidi. $200View
284. BACTRIA, under the Greeks, c. 300 BC. A carved garnet face bead along with a rock crystal fish. Both ex H. Hamidi. Dim: 20 mm, 14 mm. Interesting! $400/2View
285. BACTRIA, under the Greeks, c. 300 BC. A carved rectangle of steatite made into a jeweler’s mould to make star plaques. Dim: 33 x 30 mm. Still usable! $250View
286. BACTRIA, under the Greeks, c. 200 BC. A carved pyramidal-shaped marble stamp seal with a small head of Eucratides wearing his famous “pith” helmet. Unpierced. This finely carved piece is probably an unfinished work. $200View
BACTRIAN & INDUS VALLEY RARITIES
287. HARAPPA, c. 3500 BC. A pair of incised marble gaming or chess pieces with a distinctive Indus Valley motif incised along the tops of both pieces. The tops of each have been partially drilled. H: 4.5 cm. Rare! $350prView
288. BACTRIA, c. 2500-2000 BC. An etched four-sided carnelian bead with a design of repeating spiders. (This motif was used on cylinder seals from Jamdat Nasr!) L: 12mm. $500View
289. BACTRIA, c. 2500-2000 BC. An etched six-sided carnelian bead with considerable fine etching. L: 22 mm. One of the finest etched beads we’ve seen! $1000View
290. BACTRIA, c. 2500-2000 BC. A bronze cosmetic tripod jar with a stag head for each leg. The long bronze applicator is surmounted by a ram’s head. Height of pin: 14 cm; Height of jar: 9 cm. Heavy green patina. Ligabue, op. cit. fig. 80. $900View
291. BACTRIA, c. 2500-2000 BC. A fine heart-shaped chlorite dish with incised design. W: 6 cm. Ligabue, ibid., fig. 89. A delightful piece. $350View
292. BACTRIA c. 350 BC. A small bronze male figure holding an object in each hand. H: 4 cm. An excellent ancient casting. $300View
293. BACTRIA, MARGIANA, c. 2000 BC. A very rare three-sided bronze stamp seal, pierced through the center of the longitudinal triangle for a suspension cord. This remarkable seal depicts a standing lion with its tail up on one side; on the second side a scorpion with its stinger up, and a winged monster on the third side. Cp. Sarianidi, op. cit., figure #92 for a Margiana 3 sided seal. Dim: 23 x 118 mm. Nice brown patina. Very rare. $1500View
294. BACTRIA, MARGIANA, c. 2000 BC. A very rare three-sided chlorite stamp seal, pierced through the center of the longitudinal triangle for a suspension cord. On one side a stg lion with curled tail upwards, on the second side is a large snake with a double mouth, its fangs shooting out in two directions; on the third panel another walking lion, its tail down and a smaller animal atop the lion’s back. Cp. Sarianidi, op. cit., figure #92 for a Margiana three sided seal. Dim: 4.5 x 3 x2.8 cm. The most impressive stamp seal in this collection and of exceptional rarity. $3500View
295. BACTRIA, c. 1500 BC. A square bronze stamp seal with handle in back. The seal’s face has four quadrants; two with human faces and two with flowers. Each quarter is divided by a panel. The designs are more bas-relief than intaglio and thus provide a very flat seal impression. Dim: 45 mm square. Apparently unpublished type. Very rare and quite attractive.
$750View
296. BACTRIA, c. 1000-700 BC. A bronze medicinal spoon with horse protome atop with a small spoon-like apparatus at the bottom, There is a suspension hole behind the horse’s mane indicting that the piece was probably on a chatelaine although they are usually found within a cosmetic jar. L: 8.3 cm. Lovely green patina. $475View
297. BACTRIA, c.900 BC – 300 AD. A nice strand of mostly glass beads from various eras including a steatite scaraboid and a knucklebone. Earth-tone colors. L: 20”. $300View
298. UTAR PRADESH, c. 1500-1200 BC. A cast bronze harpoon in heavy copper with blade ends pointed downward with four sets of long barbs or antennae also pointed downward on shaft just above the tie holes for the blade‚s attachment to a shaft. L: 13”. Cp. , Sotheby‚s New York Sale of Sept. 21, 1985, lot 334. $700View
BALUCHISTAN TERRA COTTA IDOLS
299. BALUCHISTAN, MEHRGARH, c. 2800-2600 BC. A self-standing figurine of a female her arms supporting her breasts. She wears a wig and her eyes are very deeply set on each side of her large nose. (This eye configuration is typical of these idol figures from this region.) H: 7 cm. Intact and virtually perfect. The base is hollow. Color is beige. Very rare. See J. Aruz, ed., ART OF THE FIRST CITIES, p. 382, fig.268a.for the face. $400View
300. BALUCHISTAN, MEHRGARH, c. 2800-2600 BC. A self-standing figurine of a male his arms to his waist; he wears a necklace, his face is flatter and his eyes not as pronounced as the above piece. H: 8.5 cm. Intact, a bit cruder than above. The base is hollow. Color is beige. See J. Aruz, ed., ART OF THE FIRST CITIES, p. 382, fig. 268a for the face. $400View
301. BALUCHISTAN, MEHRGARH, c. 2800-2600 BC. A self-standing figurine of a female in grayer terra cotta. She wears a necklace and has a very elaborate hair do. H: 7 cm. See J. Aruz, ed., ART OF THE FIRST CITIES, p. 382, fig.268a.for the face. $350View
302. BALUCHISTAN, MEHRGARH, c. 2800-2600 BC. A lot of two smaller beige colored idols. H: 6.5 mm. Both figures wear necklaces and have the deep set eyes. See J. Aruz, ed., ART OF THE FIRST CITIES, p. 382, fig.268a.for the face. $400/2View
303. BALUCHISTAN, MEHRGARH, c. 2800-2600 BC. A fully defined voluptuous figurine in beige terra cotta of a female idol, her arms extended frontally, her legs slightly bent at the knees. She only wears a necklace; her hair is straight and unbraided and her deep set eyes are a bit cock-eyed. L: 12.5 cm. See J. Aruz, ed., ART OF THE FIRST CITIES, p. 382, fig.268a.for the face. An outstanding idol. $2000View
304. BALUCHISTAN, MEHRGARH, c. 2800-2600 BC. An extraordinary mother-goddess terra cotta figurine in encrusted dark beige, her arms cradle a tiny baby. She apparently wears only a necklace and a pair of ornate boots that come to a point in the toes. See Aruz, ibid. for deep set eyes. L: 14 cm. Unique? And choice. See also V. Sarianidi, op. cit. p. 124 for similar faces. $3000View
305. INDUS VALLEY, pre 2000 BC. A small mold-made terra cotta of a female wearing a necklace and long braids on the back of her head. H: 6.4 cm. Crude and rare. $175View
306. INDUS VALLEY, Harappa, c. 2500 BC. A terra cotta, painted, pedestal bowl with fine proportions. H: 9.3 cm. From a collection formed in eastern Afghanistan. Very rare and choice. $500View
307. INDUS VALLEY, Harappa, c.2500 BC. A well formed jar with straight sides. Handsomely decorated with deep brown linear patterns. Intact with original dirt encrustation as found. H: 2 1/4”, D: 3 1/8”. From Mohenjodaro. $250View
308. SASANIAN, c.4th - 5th Century AD. An interesting donut-shaped ritual vessel with spout in the form of a fewale face. Some paint remains on the face and a circular design remains on the top of the body. H: 5:, D: 6”. Intact and a very rare piece. $750View
Kushan
309. PAKISTAN, c. 100 BC. A choice crystal pagoda-shaped relic that was probably at one time inside a Buddha stature as a votive relic. This piece is exceptionally well-carved with concentric carved lines around an almost perfect piece of quartz crystal. H:23 mm. $400View
310. BARODA, c. 100 BC - 100 AD. A small mold-made terra cotta figurine of a standing dwarf-like figure known as a “Yaksa.” The figure is legless, his arms are up on his chest; he wears a necklace and belt, but his private parts are exposed. Somewhat similar to the Mediterranean equivalent of Priapus. H: 6 cm. See M. K. Dhavalikar, MATHURA ART IN THE BARODA MUSEUM, pl. XI, fig. 32. $275View
311. GHANDARA, c.100 BC – 100 AD. A billon or bronze-lead perfume container with attractive lotus designs and a small-necked spout. Minor repair at neck. H: 2 ¼” and a superb example. $250View
312. GHANDARA, c.100 AD. An ivory panel depicting a mother and boy standing facing. she is full breasted and wearing large circular earrings, bracelets a broad collar a short dress and a wide girdle. The child is adorned in a similar fashion, but is nude. Around them is a rectangular beaded border. Chipped on upper right corner, but very well carved and very attractive with a rich, dark patina. H: 6.6cm. $700View
313. GHANDARA, c.100 AD. An ivory panel depicting a river goddess standing facing, full breasted, and wearing a large, unusual head-dress, earrings, broad collar, bracelets and a dress. Beaded border around. Very well detailed and intact with a rich, dark patina. H: 6.3cm. $700View
314. GHANDARA, c.100 AD. An ivory cross section with four beaded registers alternating depictions of a kneeling woman facing, holding a dish above her head, and an elephant. Very intricately carved with a rich, dark brown patina. D: 28mm, H: 18mm. A very charming piece of work. $500View
315. INDIA. c. 200 AD. A schist fragment of bearded man, perhaps representing the earliest stage of the “Emaciated Buddha.” This handsome figure shows most of the figure’s head and trunk. The rib cage is quite apparent. Most of the right arm is visible, the left arm and left far side of he body is missing. A small tight turban sits atop the head. Ex Paul Rynearson Collection. 13.3 cm. In custom plastic case. $400View
NEO ASSYRIAN & NEO BABYLONIAN SEALS
316. AKKADIAN, c.2330 BC. A fine lapis lazuli cylinder seal with two bull-men, each in combat with water buffalo. The bull-men are bearded with well defined facial features. Some minor chipping, ex. Sotheby #223. L: 36mm. A rare and important seal. $12,000View
317. AKKADIAN, c.2300 – 2200 BC. A choice green serpentine cylinder seal with beautifully incised details. Scene depicts 2 pairs of contestants, a bull-man in combat with a water buffalo and a horned figure locked in combat with a rampant lion; two columns of cuneiform text separate the two contestants. It is a hero inscription ‘Uru bare, daughter of Messlil , wife of…’. H: 27mm. Porada 160 – 166. A fantastic example of the art of seal cutting. $7000View
318. AKKADIAN, c.2250 BC. A dark serpentine cylinder seal with a presentation scene, a standing figure presents a crescent moon to a seated figure. a female figure stands behind; column of cuneiform text. L: 23mm. A well detailed example. $1200View
319. ASSYRIA, c. 800 BC. A chalcedony, an oval stamp seal with a standing god sun? nimbus rays five to each side of the figure. See L. Jacob Rost, DIE STEMPELSEIGEL IM VORDERASIATISCHEN MUSEUM, Berlin, #198. Small chips around bottom of seal near drill hole; dim: 27 x 211 x11 mm. A rare large seal. $1200View
320. ASSYRIA, c. 800 BC. A moss agate scaraboid stamp seal or swivel ringstone remarkably well carved and preserved with a figure of Sandan with smaller radiate nimbus as above piece, with a lion at his feet.. Drilled for suspension. Dim: 20 x 18 x 11 mm. A marvelous seal. Ex #74 in Malter Galleries, 6000 Years of Seals. $2500View
321. BABYLONIA, c. 750 BC. An eight sided carnelian stamp, on the base a crescent moon above a standing priest and an altar, between them a small figure of Sandan atop lion. On one side are seven drill holes to perhaps represent the Pliedes Constellation. Dim: 22 x 18 x11 mm. See Rost, op. cit. #251. A top quality seal. The suspension hole is still block by vestige of original chain. $450View
322. BABYLONIA, c. 700 BC. A blue chalcedony stamp of larger size than most. This piece also depicts the typical worshipper-altar scene with the addition of a reclining animal, panther or unicorn before the altar; the club of Marduk is behind the priest. See Rost #253. Dim:23 x 30 x 25. A small chip on bottom left of altar. Another outstanding stamp seal. Drilled for suspension but a small piece of metal is still blocking the hole. $1250View
323. BABYLONIA. C. 700 BC. An eight sided gray chalcedony stamp; on the base a crescent moon above a standing priest figure and a seated animal. Dim: 17 x 10 x 25 mm. Drilled for suspension. See Rost pl. 11. Virtually perfect and very fresh. $600View
324. BABYLONIA. C. 700 BC. An eight sided gray chalcedony stamp; on the base a worshipper standing and facing a tree and altar. Rost pl. 258var. 18 x 9 x25 mm. Superb. $500View
325. BABYLONIA. C. 700 BC. An eight sided brown chalcedony stamp; on the base a worshipper standing and facing a tree, a reclining animal and altar. Rost #251. Dim: 17 x 8 x 21 mm. Pierced for suspension. Minor chips by suspension holes. $350View
326. BABYLONIA. c. 700 BC. An eight sided gray chalcedony stamp; on the base a worshipper standing and facing an ornate scaffold-like altar. Pierced for suspension. Rost, #305. Dim: 22 x 15 x 22 mm. Virtually perfect! $650View
327. BABYLONIA. c. 700 BC. A cone shaped white chalcedony stamp; on the base a stylized worshipper standing and facing crescent over crude altar. Cp. Rost pl. XII. Dim: 15 x 20 mm. $350View
328. BABYLONIA. c. 650 BC. A cone shaped moss agate stamp; on the base a double winged deity, and star. Chipped by suspension holes but image is perfect. Cp. Rost #207. 20 x 18 20 mm. $325View
329. BABYLONIA. c. 650 BC. A banded agate swivel-ring stamp seal with the winged god Ahura Mazda, pierced for suspension. Rost, pl. XII, XIII. $250View
330. BABYLONIA, c. 650 BC. A gray chalcedony of stylized duck inscribed with an altar and crescent design. See Rost pl. XII. Dim: 21 x 15 x 10 mm. $275View
331. ACHAEMENID, c. 650-575 BC. A marble stamp seal in the shape of a stylized duck; the base with a large crescent moon over altar. Rost XI, 60. Crude, $275View
332. ACHAEMENID, c. 650-575 BC. A garnet stamp seal shaped as a purse with hand device through which the suspension hole is drilled. The device on the base is Ahura Mazda. Dim: 19 x 13 x 20 mm. Rost, pl. XII, XIII. $750View
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