EGYPT
Pre-Dynastic Era

Monday, June 1st

EGYPT

Pre-Dynastic Era

1. Egypt, Naqada II, ca. 3200 B.C. Pointed-chin figure, a bust in clear orthoclase feldspar, pierced for suspension. With pierced eyes and grooved mouth, the face almost bird-like in appearance. Intact, a little worn from use. Size: 1.2" x 0.7". $2750

Cf. especially Ashmolean, fig. 81, no.1959, for facial type.

2. Egypt, Naqada II, ca. 3200 B.C. Pointed-chin figure in green schist, notched at bottom for hanging from belt or attaching to a pole. Pointed ears, and small crack across forehead. Possibly a shamanistic figure used in religious ceremonies. Size: 2.35" x 1". $7000

Cf. Ashmolean, fig. 81, no. 1960.

Two "pointed chin" figures. Scholars are not sure of the significance of these chin figures. Petrie thought they were used for divination purposes. Several would be strapped together and thrown. The sides coming up would provide answers to important questions. Some recent scholars have thought that the figures represent important officials. Others have suggested that the figures have a religious significance and were used in ceremonies. The notches at the base of the figures would seem to point to these objects being lashed together, or perhaps being tied to a belt or, more likely, to a pole. It is interesting to note that if the figures were indeed worn, then they would have hung upside-down. Perhaps the figures are symbols for malevolent spirits which can be neutralized by hanging them upside-down. Or on a more mundane level, especially if their proper orientation is indeed upside-down, these figures could simply be representations of bats.

3. Egypt, Naqada II, ca. 3200 B.C. Schist palette: turtle of attractive shape. Well detailed with drilled eyes, grooves for the wrinkles, and notched toes. Few turtles were produced in contrast to other shapes. Size: 1.9" x 1.5". $4000

4. Egypt, Pre-Dynastic, ca. 3200 B.C. Lion, in red breccia, pierced for suspension. The recumbent animal simple and stylized, yet overall very monumental in feeling. Amulet or perhaps a gaming piece. the two piercings dorsal rather than lengthwise. L: 39 mm. $2500

Cf. Naqada, pl. LX.

5. Egypt, Pre-Dynastic, ca. 3200 B.C. Lion in a bright rose-orange carnelian. Pierced lengthwise for suspension. Carefully detailed and well polished. A very bright and attractive example. Most charming. L: 27 mm.. $2750

6. Egypt, Pre-Dynastic, ca. 3200 B.C. Stylized bull or ram's head in the usual nearly opaque, slightly milky carnelian. Head of simple cylindrical shape, dominated by the forward curving horns. Eyes hollowed out for inlays now lost. Pierced for suspension. L: 30 mm. $2600

Cf. Amulets, pl. XXXVIII, no. 212a-m.

7. Egypt, Pre-Dynastic, ca. 3200 B.C. Falcon, in glassy milky-looking quartz, likely once glazed. Piece with large bore from bottom, thus the falcon most likely used as a finial, either as a ritual scepter or on ceremonial furniture. Beak slightly chipped on one side, not noticeably detracting from appearance. L: 47 mm. $2750

Cf. Ashmolean, fig. 4, no. 13. For an early example of glazed quartz in Egypt's sphere, note LACMA (Thomas et al.), American Discovery of Ancient Egypt, 1995, the necklace on plate 20 for examples of some quartz beads blue-glazed. These found in Nubia, Classic Kerma Period, equivalent to late 2nd Intermediate Period in Egypt.

8. Egypt, Pre-Dynastic, ca. 3200 B.C. Falcon, similar to previous. In black steatite. Chip from bottom of beak, not particularly noticeable. L: 45 mm.. $2000

9. Egypt, Hippo, in creme and brown striped alabaster. Of thin, slab-like form, the plumpness of the animal emphasized in the profile. Very attractive and lively. Pierced for suspension. L: 31 mm. $2500

Ex. Ernst Koffler-Truniger collection. Cf. Ashmolean, fig. 82, no. 1977.

10. Egypt, Old Kingdom-First Intermediate Period, ca. 2500-2040 B.C. Beetle, of simple ovate shape with neatly grooved markings for head, wings, thorax and mouth. Pierced for suspension. Attractive, detailed work in creme/white calcite or crystalline limestone. Size: 1.4" x 0.7". $1600

11. Egypt, Old Kingdom-First Intermediate Period, ca. 2500-2040 B.C. Beetle like previous, pierced for suspension, but this in attractive olive green and black spotted serpentine. Ancient chip at mouth, with modest overall wear. L: 0.6". $650

Found in the Sudan. Cf. Petrie, Amulets, pl. XLIII, no. 261a.

12. Egypt, Old Kingdom-First Intermediate Period, ca. 2500-2040 B.C. Bone figural amulet, perhaps of a pharaoh. Bust-like depiction with notched eyes and simple grooved mouth. Intact with fine smooth wear and tan patina. H: 1.1". Interesting and scarce. $850

Old Kingdom & First

Intermediate Period

13. Egypt, Old Kingdom, ca. 2686-2181 B.C. In pink-tan calcite or silicate limestone, with some black striations, a standing stylized falcon. Very detailed with wings back, as if about to open, and bifurcated tail. Nice. Pierced for suspension. L: 17.5 mm. $1750

14. Egypt, Old Kingdom, ca. 2686-2181 B.C. Green jasper falcon, pierced for suspension. Attractive and choice, with tiny chip at base. L: 15 mm. $1500

15. Egypt, First Intermediate Period, ca. 2181-2040 B.C. Standing falcon of simple stylized form in amethystine quartz, pierced for suspension. Intact with slight wear. Small flaw at surface of side does not detract. L: 15 mm. Attractive, scarce. $1750

Cf. Petrie, Amulets, pl. 41, no. 245o.

Middle and New Kingdom

16. Egypt, New Kingdom, c. 1550-1150 B.C. Frog amulet, white and black stone. Neatly modeled, realistically carved squatting frog, the coloring of the stone well reminiscent of that on the actual creature. Pierced for suspension. L: 18 mm. $1450

Cf. Amulets, pl. II, no. 18c.

17. Egypt, New Kingdom, c. 1550-1150 B.C. A small and choice little lidded unguent jar for holding one of the liquids used in the "Opening of the Mouth" ceremony during the rite of mummification of the deceased. Jar in light turquoise-glazed faience, of graceful goblet shape with fitted disc lid. Hieroglyphic inscription: "Oil of Cedar." Minor chip at edge of lid, otherwise intact and complete. Overall H: 1.8". Fine and rare! $2500

18. Egypt, late XIX-XX Dynasty, c. 1250-1150 B.C. Blue-green faience ushabti of simple molded form, typical of period, with applied details in black. Osirid-like figure with eyes, and mouth, lappet wig, hoes and seed bags in black, and panel of glyphs down front. Inscription: "Amunipet, Illuminating the Osiris, the Sehedj." Coloring varies now, and glaze matte in spots but overall a bright blue-green to light green, still, piece intact and well preserved. H: 4.55"; on plexi base. Nice example and scarce. $775

19. Egypt, late XIX-XX Dynasty, c. 1250-1150 B.C. Another ushabti of Amunipet like previous example, but in appearance the blue glaze pale green to white in color overall. H: 4.6"; on plexi base. Pleasing specimen; repaired at foot. $600

20. Egypt, 3rd Intermediate or Late Period, ca. 1000-400 B.C. A small unguent jar for holding a precious substance, perhaps one of the liquids used in the "Opening of the Mouth" ceremony during the rite of mummification of the deceased. Jar in light turquoise-glazed faience, now gone white, of graceful goblet shape. Slight edge nicks, otherwise intact and complete. Overall H: 2.2". Pleasant and rare. $1100

21. Egypt, 3rd Intermediate or Late Period, ca. 1000-400 B.C. A small unguent jar for holding a precious substance, perhaps one of the liquids used in the "Opening of the Mouth" ceremony during the rite of mummification of the deceased. Jar in light turquoise-glazed faience, now gone white, of graceful goblet shape. Slight edge nicks, otherwise intact and complete. Overall H: 2.2". Pleasant and rare. $1100

Late Dynastic

22. Egypt, XXV-XXVI Dynasty, ca. 700-550 B.C. An important and intricately painted and detailed sarcophagus lid. Inscribed in the name of "Ankh-Paf-Heri." The face of the deceased in red, wearing wide, heavily beaded collar and striped headdress. Along the front several panels devoted to scenes of deities, plus an unusual scene with Apis on the foot panel, the rest with extensive vertical registers containing text -- in fact, the most heavily inscribed we've handled! The colors: dark red, various greens, "peach," black and white, all extremely well preserved. This piece purchased in Israel from a then old collection (in excess of 50, years), and legally exported in 1984. The "classic" Egyptian antiquity! $40,000

23. Egypt, XXVI Dynasty, ca. 650-525 B.C. Upper figure, the thighs and above, of a large ushabti with fine modeling and multiline inscription around its front. Usual Osiriform figure with lappet wig and holding hoe and pick, with seed bag at back. Name of the deceased, "Wahibradednieth." Some flakes and chips, nevertheless a handsome piece with pale blue to off white glaze. H: 4.4"; on custom base. $650

24. Egypt, XXVI Dynasty, ca. 650-525 B.C. , another specimen as preceding lot, this a smaller section comprised of the upper figure down to the waist. Some flaking on side and around back, but sharply molded, neat features and, again, with superb apple green glaze. Very decorative. H: 2.6"; on custom base. $575

25. Egypt, Late Period, ca. 500-350 B.C. A neck and rim from a "New Year's" flask, in molded grayish turquoise faience. The neck and rim shaped an detailed like a papyrus stand or column, and flanked by two seated apes on either side. Piece quite well preserved. H: 1.6"; on custom Lucite base. A charming artifact. $450

26. Egypt, Late Period, ca. 500-350 B.C. Bronze statuette of Min, the god of virility and procreative powers, who stands in ithyphallic pose. He wears close fitting robe, low round crown topped by two plumes, and holds flail over one shoulder. Some casting "fins" present, tip of phallus chipped (or casting flaw?), otherwise very fine. H: 4.25". Scarce, and always popular. $850

27. Egypt, Late Dynastic, perhaps XXX Dynasty, ca. 400-343 B.C. Sharply detailed ushabti in blue-green glazed faience. Osiriform figure of usual type, holding two adzes or hoes, a seed bag over one shoulder. Band across waist and down front of legs inscribed with religious formula and name of deceased. Intact, glaze matte otherwise piece pristine. L: 4". Choice. $625

28. Egypt, XXX Dynasty, ca. 400-343 B.C. Ushabti of attractive style, in heavily glazed turquoise faience. Usual Osiriform figure with lappet wig and holding hoe and pick. Repaired at shins, otherwise virtually pristine. H: 5"; on Plexiglas base. Nice! $425

29. Egypt, XXX Dynasty, ca. 400-343 B.C. Another example, but this with olive colored glaze. This one repaired at thighs, with a few negligible chips. H: 4.75"; on Plexiglas base. $375

30. Egypt, Late Dynastic or Ptolemaic, c. 500-100 B.C. Small core-formed glass vessel of sharply tapered conical shape, with thick rolled rim and similar ring foot. Some flaws and pits in the casting, with a few repairs and a small section of restoration. Nevertheless, larger pieces of Egyptian glass, in objects other than inlays, are still quite scarce from this period. H: 1.5". Fine deep turquoise color! $650

31. Egypt, Late Dynastic or Ptolemaic, c. 500-100 B.C. Wooden "ka" mask from the lid of a coffin. Simple, boldly rendered features, yet showing a finesse often lacking in these artifacts. Pegged for attaching to the lid. Essentially intact, no longer showing traces of its paint. L: 6.75". $500

32. Egypt, Late Dynastic or Ptolemaic, c. 500-100 B.C. .... And a pair of wooden sarcophagus hands to accompany the preceding mask lot. One of palm wood with dowel holes for attaching . The other probably acacia, with gesso and yellow paint still intact. Combined with the previous lot, can make a fun display. $375/2

33. Egypt, Late Period or Ptolemaic, ca. 500-300 B.C.. a fine "coiled" silver bracelet with each of tapered and flattened ends coiled about the opposite bracelet end. Unadorned, but stylishly functional in its construction and design. Beautifully preserved and still wearable! D: 3.2". $2000

34. Egypt, Late Dynastic or Ptolemaic, c. 500-100 B.C. A handsome faience amulet of a seated baboon, light blue-green glazed, but now slightly grayed with iridescence. Baboon sits on a "throne" comprised of two glyphs -- neb and shuti. Head of creature finely modeled, its hair formed into a lappet wig. Piece holed for suspension. Intact and perfect but for three inconsequential nicks. H: 27.5 mm. Rare type and choice. $1250

35. Egypt, Ptolemaic Period, c. 300-30 B.C. A lot of three glass gaming pieces, one pyramidal, the other two round in shape. $150/3

36. Egypt, Ptolemaic-Roman Period, c. 200 B.C. - 100 A.D. A glass inlay with molded image of a kneeling woman, one hand held forward at her knee, the other by her mouth. In yellow, with banding of yellow and green at her hair, and along her side; her face in red. H: 1.8". Repaired at waist, chipping to one hand. $400

SCARABS & SEALS

37. Intermediate Period, ca. 1750-1600 B.C. Once glazed steatite scarab with lion with feathered crown on base. L: 20 mm. A great scene! $325

38. Egypt, Second Intermediate Period, ca. 1750-1600 B.C. Once glazed steatite scarab with stylized but finely crafted back and legs. On base, variant of the popular scroll motif. and nearly perfect! L: 18 mm. . Handsome! $300

39. Egypt, Second Intermediate Period, ca. 1750-1600 B.C. Once glazed steatite scarab with plain, stylized but carefully crafted back, with the legs a hatched band around the side. Device: man in short kilt and wearing pendant necklace, holds forth a conical-shaped loaf. In field, glyph and large cobra. Line border around. A few trivial chips, otherwise intact and very fine. L: 25 mm. Large and well crafted with interesting scene. $400

40. Egypt, Late Dynastic or early Ptolemaic, c. 600-300 B.C. Amuletic "walking" scarab in mottled brown serpentine, neatly rendered in-the-round. The legs on the underside tight against the body with vestigial suspension loop in the middle. Chip on rear leg, otherwise a very stylish example for this series. L: 21 mm. $300

41. Mesopotamia, Jemdt Nasr, ca. 3600 -3000 B.C. Round marble stamp seal with drilled designs of two animals.D: 40 mm. Drilled longitudinally for suspension. $500

42. Mesopotamia, Uruk - Jemdt Nasr, ca. 3600-3000 B.C. Large rectangular stamp seal with gable back, in variegated pink marble. Base engraved with drilled sinkings with attached sinuous "arms." The effect of the motif being both vegetable and animal. Intact with slight wear; one end a little weathered. L: 50.8 mm. A quite handsome object, both for workmanship and material. $975

43. Mesopotamia, Late Uruk - Jemdt Nasr, ca. 3100-2900 B.C. Geometric patterned cylinder in red marble: linked double line, cruciform motif (perhaps representing a spider) forming an "eye/lozenge" pattern. Pierced for stinging. Intact and perfect. L: 11.9 mm. A pretty little piece with a less common design. Choice! $375

44. Jemdt Nasr - Late Uruk III ca. 3100-2800 B. C. A lot of two red marble, one round, similar to No. 41 above, the other square cut. Both with nicely drilled animal designs. D: 33 mm; H: 29 mm square. Choice!. $750/2

45. Late Jemdt Nasr - Early Dynastic I, ca. 3000-2800 B. C. A tan marble cylinder seal with stylized animals apparently running. H: 25 mm. $500

46. Late Jemdt Nasr - Early Dynastic I, probably Syria, ca. 3000-2800 B.C. Cylinder in red marble with deeply incised net pattern, line border above and below. Pierced for stinging. Intact with slight wear. L: 20 mm. Handsome material. $375

47. Early Dynastic I, ca. 2900-2700 B.C., or later. "Piedmont"-style cylinder, narrow and slightly barrel-shaped, in lapis lazuli -- medium to royal blue with prominent calcite veining. Geometric pattern in two registers, one the inverse of the other: a row of line-bordered arches, with filling grooves in the field. Intact with moderate wear. L: 35.7 mm. Attractive and desirable for both the material and particularly for being complete, thus scarce. $900

A recent paper re-analyzing the find strata of this series is proposing a date within the Akkadian Period, ca. 2400-2300 B.C.

48. Early Dynastic I, ca. 2800-2700 B.C. Cylinder in very translucent pale green calcite. Pierced for stinging. Frieze of walking goats with, due to the cutting technique, spool-shaped bodies. Between their legs, an enclosure symbol; between the animals, a star. L: 19.5 mm. A little worn, nevertheless intact and pleasant. Very attractive stone. $350

49. Early Dynastic, or Early Elamite, ca. 2750-2350 B.C. An agate cylinder seal with stylized goats and the "Tree of Life" L: 19 mm. $250

50. Early Dynastic II, ca. 2600 B.C. Another cylinder in shell core (aragonite). Here the triangles separated by guilloche-like rectilinear design. A little worn, but intact. L: 20.3 mm. Pleasing. $400

51. Iran c. 2600 B. C. A rare clay cylinder seal with enthroned god? snake and multiple lines. Very stylized and busy. H: 31 mm. Still sharp. $350

52. Akkadian, Early Period, ca. 2400 B.C. Broad cylinder seal of hard black serpentine, with Dynastic III "cut" style contest scene, symmetrically designed. A bearded and nude hero protects two gazelles from attacking lions. Scene terminal of "star and spade" device of Marduk, this cut over an earlier inscription: "Lugal-ni-...", likely the original owner's name. Intact, with smooth wear. Circular grooves at either end of cylinder from decorative caps; some ancient recutting. L: 30.1 mm. Large stylish piece. $950

Akkadian seals were thought to have magical or amuletic properties, so that they often were not buried with their owners at their demise. Sometimes they saw generations, or even hundreds of years, of subsequent use. As a consequence they often, but not always, show some recutting. Such is the case here. The hero's head seems to have been reworked some time in antiquity,, and as mentioned the inscription was altered.

53. Akkadian, Early Period, ca. 2300 B.C. Large spool-shaped cylinder seal of glossy dark green and black serpentine, pierced for suspension. Contest scene with two bearded and kilted heroes, in profile, battling with standing bull and buffalo. Separately, a lion attacks a water buffalo. Intact, a little worn, but a handsomely rendered example of this series. H: 38.7 mm. A choice example of the best in Akkadian celator workmanship! $5500

54. A lot of three soft stone Mitannian-Assyrian Period, c. 1500-900 B.C. cylinder seals each with fair amount of detail, depicting archer, tree of life, serpent etc. In need of further study. H: 22-30 mm.

$300/3

55. Mitannian, c. 1500 B. C. A hematite cylinder seal with four standing processional pieces, one similar to the Old Babylonian "Nude Lady." Deeply carved and quite nice. $1000

56. Neo-Assyrian, c. 900-750 B.C. A clear whitish chalcedony cylinder seal with stylized goat and lion. H: 15 mm. A very sharp seal! $250

57. Achaemenid, Proto-Court Style, ca. 625 - 590 B.C. Cylinder seal in lapis lazuli, slightly barrel-shaped. In expansive field, a contest scene: robed and kilted hero, still in Neo-Babylonian style, grapples rampant bull by horn. Hero is crowned and holds short sword. Intact and perfect, with only minor wear. Ends once capped; bore still with original bronze pin. L: 18.6 mm. Choice, with lapis seals from this period being very rare! $1350

58. Iran, c. 1500 B. C. A colitic of fossili-ferrous limestone oval shaped bead carved into a seal with a genie and a situla and branch. H: 47 mm. $300

59. Neo-Assyrian late 8th, early 7th century. A chalcedony stamp seal of warm, clear gray color, with the goddess Ishtar standing in profile on a pedastal; she has a nimbus about her body. Lovely workmanship! H: 20 mm. $650

60. Sasanian Iran, ca. 4th-5th century A.D. Ellipsoidal stamp in a tan-yellow chalcedony. Device: recumbent zebu flanked by two lunar crecents, or perhaps one a letter which is partially obscured by a flaw in the stone. Intact with minimal wear. W: 19.5 mm. Fine, spirited work. $200

A Special Grouping of Middle Elamite and Later Seals from Iran.

61. Akkadian, peripheral, ca. 2300-2150 B.C. Serpentine cylinder with contest scene. Two nude heroes flank a rampant lion, one grabbing the creature's tail. Behind another nude hero stands with hand in gesture. L: 19 mm. Intact with moderate wear. $300

62. Elamite, ca. 15th-14th century B.C. In creme frit. The narrow cylinder with pattering arranged along horizontal bands: upper three rows with eye-rhomb motif, middle with flying bird, bottom with X and "negative" cruciforms. L: 29.5 mm. Choice condition. $350

63. Elamite, Mitanni influenced, ca. 15th-14th century B.C. Narrow cylinder of hematite, slightly barrel-shaped. Presentation scene: a worshipper bears an offering of a kid to enthroned god who wears long skirt and holds star-topped scepter. Behind god, a figure stands between two star-topped standards. Intact and pristine. L: 24.5 mm. In bold linear provincial style. $500

64. Elamite, mid 2nd to early 1st millennium B.C., lot of two cylinders. In bitumen and composition. In bitumen or black composition, contest scene: hero wearing lion's pelt(?), holds by their tail a deer and a goat. In field, sun and plant. In tan composition, boldly engraved sphinx felling an ibex. In field, two small caprids mating(?). Both cylinders repaired, otherwise very fine to excellent; the second very handsome! L: 27 m.; 41 mm. $373/2

65. Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian Periods, 8th-7th centuries B.C. Lot of two small cylinders in carnelian. Neo-Assyrian or Babylonian, in cut-style, an archer kneels to shoot a rearing goat; plant motif in field. L: 16.3 mm. Neo-Babylonian, in cut-style, a sphinx pounces upon a rearing goat. Cylinder barrel-shaped, likely a bead converted to seal use. L: 15.4 mm. Both intact with minor to modest wear. Nice lot. $450/2

66. Neo-Assyrian - Neo-Babylonian style, 8th-7th centuries B.C. "Bead" cylinder in handsome brown agate with white central band. Very stylized engraving showing bird-headed(?) man contending with rampant goat. Fish and lunar crescent in field. Intact with minor wear. L: 16 mm. Cute. $275

67. Neo-Babylonian Era, 7th-6th century B.C. Pyramidal stamp seal with beveled sides, in clear brown-gray chalcedony. In drilled style, a worshipper stands before stylized altar with deity symbols. Star above. H: 29 mm. Typical but very neat example for this series. $300

CUNEIFORM

68. Akkadian, ca. 2270-2255 B.C. Important fragment from a votive mace head of alabaster, inscribed in a horizontal panel with vertical registers. The head of once ovoid shape, with raised collar around the socket's mouth. Legend: "To Inanna, Manishtushu, king of the world, [gave (this)]." Inanna, also known as Ishtar, was both the goddess of love and war! Condition excellent. H: 3.2". Comes with translation by Lambert, who states: "There is no other known object with this inscription: it is unique so far." $5000

69. Akkadian, ca. 2200 B.C. Inscribed tablet, primarily a receipt for wool. Obverse: "Five minas of wool from Lalanitah, five from Ur-Nigu, five from Buzuzu, one mina from Shikhalum." Reverse: "Total [x] minas." In light brown clay with chipping, but surfaces good and crisp. Size: 51 x 36 mm. Comes with complete translation. $375

70. Akkadian, ca. 2200 B.C. A well-baked brown cuneiform tablet with three registers of Akkadian script. The tablet is inscribed on one side. It is an economic receipt concerning the withdrawal of 60,000 liters of barley by Ur-Esa for delivery to the city of Babylon. 4 x 3 cm. $350

71. Sumer, Ur III, Reign of King Amar-Sin, ca. 2039 B.C. A good-sized inscribed cuneiform tablet of baked orange-tan clay, impressed on both sides with a cylinder. A complex and significant economic text. It is a list of fields, giving grain productivity at the harvest of fields harrowed and inspected two or three times. Areas of chipping along two sides; remaining is stable and very crisp. Size: 80 x 43 mm. Comes with complete translation. Important! $650

72. Sumer, Ur III, an unattributed broken clay tablet, rejoined and readable with one side scarred by a chip. D: 40 x 38 mm.. $100

73. Sumer, Ur III, Reign of King Shu-Sin, ca. 2037 B.C. A well-baked clay tablet with fifteen very clear lines of Neo-Sumerian text and nice pointed ciphers. The text is a ration list detailing quantities of barley given as flour to various workers. The obverse has eight lines and names of seven workmen including Lu-Dingira, Pasha, Lu-Anna, Anana and Aneshtishe. The month and year equate to Month 12 of the 7th year of the reign of King Shu-Sin. There is a faint cylinder seal impression. Chipped in one corner. 5.5 x 4 cm. $400

74. Old Babylonian, ca. 2000-1600 B.C. A well-baked dark gray clay tablet with three registers of Old Babylonian script on the obverse; reverse is blank. The unusual dialect of the inscription is concerned with leather goods delivered to a leather worker named "Sagasha." Note: scribe's fingerprints on reverse. 5 4 cm. Nice. $400

75. A very small clay tablet, unattributed and untranslated. 25 mm x 30 mm.. $200

76. Old Babylonian, ca. 1850 B.C. A partially baked cuneiform tablet in light brown clay. The text consists of quantities listed against individual's names. The totals are on the top edge indicating that it is a record of tithes or donations into the temple. The obverse has ten lines of cuneiform, the reverse is blank except for a faint UR III? cylinder seal impression. In perfect condition. 5 x 4 cm. $500+

77. Old Babylonian, King Sin-iribam, c. 1843-1841, Inscribed clay tablet of a businessman's letter with 32 lines of Babylonian script which are fully translated. The letter writer and the recipient are clearly businessmen who deal with each other. The letter writer has sold a sheep to the addressee, which the latter did not find of good quality, so the writer had sent another sheep on approval just to prove his honesty. A partial translation reads. "....I have sent you a sheep to substitute for the sheep. Examine it, and if it meets with your approval, keep it. But if it does not meet with your approval, return it. I have released the sheep as a sign of brotherliness. I have not released it to boost my own importance...." Full translation by Prof. Lambert available. Top quality. size 86 x 51 mm. $1500

Letters of this sort are far more rare than the usual receipts.

78. Late Ur III -- Early Old Babylonian, ca. 2000 B.C. Pale unbaked lenticular in buff/tan clay. Flat face with three lines of Sumerian cuneiform which are repeated on the convex back. The text is a list of three types of woolen garment. Inconspicuous, neat repair with a few minor chips. Overall very well preserved. D: 70 mm. Rare and desirable! $1500

These round tablets were used by the trainee scribe in the Edubba, or school, to learn particular lessons -- sometimes grammar, or maybe vocabulary or composition. How these tablets were used is that a scribal teacher would write the lesson on the obverse, and then the pupil would have to copy the text on the reverse. Here it is easy to see that the reverse's hand is somewhat cruder and, more intimate or personal, one can note the faint imprint of the scribe's clothing where he rested the tablet on his lap!

79. Isin-Larsa Period, King Ishme-Dagan, c. 1954-1935 B.C. a royal inscription on a dedicatory clay cone written in cuneiform in two columns which translate to: Isme-Dagan, mighty man, King of Isin, King of the four world regions, when he canceled the taxes of Nippur, the city beloved of Enlil, and excused its men from military service, he built the city wall of Isin. The name of that wall is; Ishme-Dagan is a great...beside Enlil." H: 15 cm. Similar to lot 584 in Malter Auction Nov. 23, 1997. Choice! $2000

80. Neo-Assyrian, 9th century B.C. Elongated fragment of gray-colored gypsum, a fragment from a wall and inscribed in cuneiform -- visible are three lines of the "standard inscription" of Ashurnisirpal, 883-859 B.C. From Nimrud. Very fine condition, on custom mount. L: 11.75". Comes with translation by Lambert. $2000

81. A choice cuneiform tablet, inscribed on both sides. Arrived without translation. dim: 6 x 4.5 cm. $500

82. A large marble fractional cuneiform inscription not yet translated with five partial lines of discernible cuneiform script. Dim. 17" x 14 " x 4". Weight over 50 lbs. Marble is in nice condition, no staining. $3000up

Mesopotamian Idols

83. Syria, Tel Halaf, c. 4000 B.C. A rare terra cotta female mother goddess, seated, a hand below each breast, both of which have traces of black painted decoration. Her head is pinched flat with up-pointed headdress. Minor restoration. H: 8.3 cm. $500

84. Syria, Tel Helaf, c. 4000 B.C. A rare terra cotta female mother goddess, seated, a hand to each upraised knee. Her head is pinched flat with up-pointed headdress. Minor restoration. H: 7.5 cm. $300

85. Syria, Tell Brak, c. 3200 B.C. "Eye" idol, of typical type, in translucent alabaster. Highly stylized, the body of simple plank or slab form, with two emphatically detailed eyes atop the trapezoidal body. Of exceptional quality for series. Intact. H: 1.6". $1950

Cf. Iraq, vol. X, 1947, for the original publication and discussion of the series.

86. Syria, Tell Brak, c. 3200 BC. Another example as previous, but more squat. Intact and of exceptional quality. In marble. H: 1.2". $1750

87. Syria, Tell Brak, c. 3200 B.C. Eye idol of simpler form, like previous. In calcite. Eyes a little worn, repaired at neck. H: 1.9". $850

 

88. Syria, Tell Brak, c. 3200 B.C. Another similar eye-idol, but this with conical hat and heavy brows. In off white calcite or marble. Rare type, perhaps representing a person of importance. H: 1.5". $3500

89. Syria, Tell Brak, c. 3200 BC. Another eye-idol, larger, and this with three eyes -- perhaps this an alternate form for a couple. In limestone. Several repairs, but an exceptionally rare type. Size: 1.75" x 1.75". $3500

90. Syro-Hittite, c. 1400-1200 B. C. A rather large terra cotta "Astarte" figure, wearing necklace, arms shortened and raised. H: 20 cm. $500

91. Syro-Hittite, c. 1400-1100 B. C. A smaller terra cotta "Astarte" figure, this one with arms to waist. Part of top headdress chipped. With plastic stand. H: 14 cm. $300

92. Syro-Hittite, c. 800 B.C. A mold-made plaque with reclining female goddess, Astarte, wearing a hat, gown with a bunch of flowers? by her breasts. L: 13 cm. Nice! $300

More Near Eastern Antiquities & Seals

93. Syria or Palestine, ca. early 2nd millennium B.C. Bronze "duck bill" ax head. Ovate socket, still with traces of original wood within. Blade of rhomboidal section, and fenestrated. Intact and finely preserved. L: 4". A utilitarian yet stylish artifact. $500

94. Anatolia or Northern Syria, prior to c. 1500 B.C. A bronze figure of a standing humped bull, a zebu, of elongated form with excellent brown patina. L: 9 cm. Well crafted, stylish work for this region. $1750

95. Anatolia or Northern Syria, prior to ca. 1500 B.C. A bronze votive nude statue of a man, his arms out-stretched as if ready to hug. The workmanship is stiff and crude somewhat reminiscent of Hittite work. The face appears modeled after the innumerable terracotta Astarte figures from this same region. H: 14.5 cm. On stand. Rare! $2750

96. Eastern Anatolia or northern Mesopotamia, ca. 700-400 B.C. Robust figurine of bull in orange-tan terra cotta. Stylized but realistically modeled, the creature with largish head on small body. The eyes somewhat globular, but head neat and accurate, the dewlap handled well. One horn missing, otherwise intact and very fine. L: 8.1". Pleasing and of good size. Found at northern border of Iran. $650

97. Eastern Anatolia or Urartu, c. 850 B. C. A bronze bucranium (bull's facing head) with two rungs behind. Nice green patina. L: 30 mm. Choice! $375

98. Urartu, C. 850 B. C. A looped bronze stamp seal with a flying Pegasos as the intaglio design! The flying horse was far to the East rather earlier than one might expect. H: 17 mm. W: 14 mm. Rare! $750

99. Southern Iran, Elam. ca. 1800-1500 B.C. Bronze figure of a goddess, with deep-sunk, circular eyes (probably once inlaid). She stands on ovate base, in long skirt with torso bare, each hand cupping a breast. She wears belt, bracelets, necklace and armbands, most with zigzag ornament. Her ears are pierced, her hair in twin crown-like plaits. Intact and choice with black and earthen patina. H: 4". Beautiful! $2500

100. Old Babylonian, 18th century B.C. Amuletic plaque in molded terra cotta, of yellowish-buff color. Plaque of rounded wedge shape, with bottom missing. Top pierced for suspension. Within central recess, the "God with the Mace" stands in profile to the right. He has long full beard, wears short kilt, and cap. H: 4.1"; on wood stand. Scarce. $400

101. Old Babylonian or Elamite, ca. 18th-16th century B.C. Upper part of a molded terra cotta figure of a facing god -- he stands bare chested, with long beard and thick rounded cap. He holds a fenestrated crescentic ax, rather like the "duck bill" ax seen elsewhere in this sale. H: 2.5"; on wood stand. $375

102. Old Babylonian, ca. 18th-16th century B.C. Small rectangular molded plaque in tan-buff ware, showing a tutelary couple facing front. A heavily bearded male god appears to rest his hand on the shoulder of the female goddess next to him. Both wear similar long, fringed, and flounced garments. A few slight edge nicks, otherwise intact and very fine. L: 2.6". Scarce. $400

103. Afghanistan, Bactria, Mid- or late 2nd mill. B. C. Four stalk-handled, conical base stamp seals in copper and bronze. Each with circular or scroll designs on base. Three intact, two with heavy green patina. Fourth with bored base when handle broke in antiquity. H: 13.5 - 30.4 mm. $300/4

104. Afghanistan, Bactria, Mid- or late 2nd mill. B. C. A cultic bottle in the form of a shrine or small house carved from chloritic schist. Incised rosettes on all four sides; the front side with a moveable door. H: 7 cm. On wood stand. Choice and rare. $1000

105. Northern Syria or Diyala Region, ca. 3rd millennium B.C. Interesting bowl in mottled green basalt. Bowl high-walled, almost globular, with four little "legs" at each corner. Intact and very fine condition, the basalt with little air pockets. W: 3.7". Rare! $750

106. Palestine, 6th-3rd cent. B.C. Lot of two pyramidal stamp seals; the earlier a narrow bronze Kamid-el-Loz group with robed and bearded stick figure before cult emblems. H: 18.6 mm. Other seal is a carnelian with unfinished figure, probably early Seleucid. H: 18.3 mm. cp Malter LVIII, nos. 101-2. $300/2

107. Syria, 5th-4th mill. B. C. Hemispherical stamp seal in black green chlorite, bored lengthwise for stringing. Base: boldly incised linear device: a goat?. Piece subsequently bored vertically up center to be worn as an amulet. D: 35.2 mm. An interesting example of seal re-use in antiquity. $300

108. Western Iran, 4th mill. B. C. A gabled amygdaloid in hard black serpentine. Ibex next to foliage, line above, four sinkings in field. Intact and perfect. L: 24.4 mm. Choice!

$400

109. Sub-Achaemenid/Seleuco-Parthian, 4th-2nd cent. B.C. Two bronze finger rings. Earlier probably from Palestine, with pointed oval bezel and heavy integral shoulders. Device: lion attacking a goat. Later example; lanceolate, with stylized goat in profile. Both intact and wearable. W: 22; 20 mm. $225/2

110. Iran, or Mesopotamia, ca. 10th-15th century A.D. Lot of three bronze rings all with engraved designs. One with stepped bezel holding a blue glass ("turquoise") gem; one engraved with what appears to be twin palmettes; last Timurid with stylized Kufic inscription. A pleasant group, much better than average. H: 19-30 mm. $175/3

111. Assyria, c. 1000-850 B.C. A clay rectangular bulla with a sharp impression of a lioness seated on her haunches on one side; floral attributes imprinted on other plane surfaces. W: 35 cm. Choice condition and rare. $500

112. Assyria, c. 900 B. C. A large limestone bas-relief fragment of a Winged Genie with scorpion body and bearded face. The sculpture has a banded headdress and the Genie stands on his two front legs. The entire relief is within a half inch recessed panel which is square but misses the corners on top and bottom of the relief. Although there is some weathering to the surfaces the artistry is still bold and shows up beautifully when lighted from one side. Extremely rare with appropriate documentation. Dim: 33" x 25" overall; inside 21" x 19". Call for estimate

113. Iran, Kerman, c. 1500 B. C. A miniature bronze horseman; the horse with wire thin legs. The rider quite crude, but over-all a fascinating piece. W: 38 mm. $150

114. Iran, Luristan, A fine arrow head with narrowed tang and folded flange at neck. L: 13.5 cm. Nice green patina. $150

115. Iran, Luristan, ca. 12th-8th century B.C. Splendid huge spearhead with long "rat tail" tang. Blade triangular to lanceolate, with sharply raised midrib, the tip reinforced for piercing. Intact and perfect, with fine green patina. L: 28.25". One of the best we've handled! $1000

116. Iran, Luristan, ca. 12th-8th century B.C. Bronze point of lanceolate form, and nearly flat section, with massive tapering tang behind. Either a spear head or a knife blade. Intact and choice with crusty green patina. L: 10.6". $500

117. Iran, Luristan, ca. 9th-8th century B.C. A rare amuletic bracelet in iron. Bracelet two-piece and hinged. Bottom thick curved bar of rectangular section, with holed tenons. Top, either end with attractive, stylized lion masks, somewhat anthropomorphizing -- each a holed socket. Abutting heads and in the middle, three projecting disc-rings - defensive? W: 3". Intact and amazingly well preserved for this perishable material. Thus rare! Cf. Moorey, p. 218, re: nos. 372, 373. $575

118. Iran, Luristan, ca. 800 B.C. A very handsome ceramic vessel in buff ware with painted ornament in dark brown. The squat vessel with rounded walls but shoulder and base sharply beveled; vessel's mouth slightly turned out. Around shoulder neatly painted design of diamonds and hatching; around walls, four panels with profile ibex within, separated by varying vertical bands. Paint very well preserved; vessel with age crack and trivial chips to rim. W: 3.9". Lovely! $400

119. Iran, Amlash, early 1st millennium B.C. Fine bronze finial with double protomes of gazelles or antelope. The animals with curved, swelling front legs, and slim body and necks. They stand on disc base with square tenon. Intact with choice green patina. H: 3.2", on custom base. Nice. $575

120. Iran, probably Amlash, 1st millennium B.C. Attractive yet simple "harness" ring in bronze -- comprised of three conjoined rings, the junctions covered by two "four-leaf" rosettes in coiled wire and granules. Intact and very fine. W: 3.25". Scarce type. $350

121. Parthia, ca. time of Pacorus II, ca. 78-105 B.C. A beautiful terra cotta fragment of a caparisoned horse head. The reins in relief with incised linear designs and stamped rosettes. The horse's nostrils are flaring as if the horse was in rapid movement, as suggested by its flowing main. Overall all quite pristine but for minor chips. H: 6.5". A superb object! $1000

122. Parthia, ca. time of Vologases VI, 208-228 A. D., A terra cotta warrior as stylized horseman holding a square shield. H: 10.5 cm. $250

123. Iran, Late Sasanian or early Islamic Period, ca. 600-700 A.D. Squat little vessel in clear glass, with cut facetting and lathe work. The shoulders stepped, the body with honeycomb pattern, the vessel's mouth cut to a hexagon. Ancient age crack or glass flaw on one side, and areas of bright iridescence, otherwise intact and choice. W: 1.75". $1000

124. Bactria or Eastern Iran, 2nd millennium B.C. Heavy cast bronze kohl bottle in bronze, with piriform body and cylindrical neck. Spaced at four intervals around neck, the head of a gazelle or antelope, only one of which remains. Bottle well preserved, with green and brown patina. H: 2.8". Nice and scarce. $450

125. Bactria, ca. late 2nd - early 1st millennium B.C. Kohl vessel in blue-green faience, of which some coloring remains. Body of inverted cone shape with cylindrical neck. Incised wavy ornament around bottle's shoulders. Some chipping to rim, otherwise fine. H:2.75". Scarce. $400

126. Bactria, ca. late 2nd millennium B.C.(?), or Greek/Hellenistic Period(?). Appealing small twin-handle vase in silver. Of broad form with faintly carinated shoulders, cylindrical neck, and rolled rim at the mouth. Cleaned, with dark tone; both handles with restorations. H: 3.2". A fine little object. $2250

127. China, Late Chou-Warring States period. A bronze "kuo" or dagger-axe, pole mounted. This burial artifact still bears the impression of its linen wrapping. L: 21 cm. Thick green patina. $400

128. China, Han Dynasty, "Snake-head" bronze buckle with silver spiral inlay. L: 16 cm. During the Han Dynasty, buckles became heavier and the inlay/overlay became intricate and complex. $450

129. China, Han Dynasty, "Snake-head" bronze buckle with silver and gold inlay and overlay. L: 15 cm. $500

130. China, Han Dynasty, "Snake-head" bronze buckle with silver plating vestiges; otherwise plain. L: 15 cm. $300

131. China, Han Dynasty, "Snake-head" bronze buckle smaller than above pieces and quite plain with a nice brown-green patina. L: 12.5 cm. $275

132. Ordos, c. 6th-2nd cent. B.C. a hollow cast bronze standing horse with a raised design, perhaps a "brand" "B" on the left side of rear haunch. H: 5 cm. Choice! $1200

133. Ordos, c. 6th-2nd cent. B.C. a hollow casting of a horse or onager with forelegs kneeling; the piece probably designed as a handle for a whetstone. W: 7 cm. $1500

134. Ordos, c. 6th-2nd cent. B.C. a hollow casting of a horse or onager with forelegs kneeling; the piece probably designed as a handle for a whetstone. W: 9 cm. This piece larger than above with lighter green patina. $2000

135. Ordos, c. 6th-2nd cent. B.C. a pair of silver-plated wolf heads each with inside attachment to form single buckle. The mouths have drilled open-work, emphasizing teeth. W: 7 cm. $2500/pr

136. Ordos, c. 6th-2nd cent. B.C. a fine bronze pendant depicting a winged man-bird with headdress. Loop on reverse broken, otherwise choice and rare. H: 68 mm. $2000

137. Ordos, c. 6th-2nd cent. B.C. an open-worked bronze plaque depicting a forest scene within which are a chariot and rider, and a combat scene between dog and potbellied dwarf-like figure. Size: 11 x 7 cm. Cleaned but quite elaborate and interesting. For a similar open worked plaque of this style see Collection David-Weill, #46. $5000

138. Ordos, c. 6th-2nd cent. B.C. an open-worked bronze plaque depicting protomes of stag heads, with tiny twisted and sinuous bodies, in rectangular frame. Size: 10.5 x 5.5 cm. Rich green patina. Cp. Collection David-Weill #42. $4500

139. Ordos, c. 6th-2nd cent. B.C. an open-worked gold-gilt bronze stylized plaque depicting two recumbent onagers, with inverted hind legs, heraldically arranged. Additional motifs in center and field comprised of griffin heads. Size: 10.7 x 5.3 cm. Still with two hooks on back for attachment. A masterpiece! cp. Collection David-Weill #58. $8500

140. Ordos to eastern Europe. c. 6th-2nd cent. B.C. an open-worked gold-gilt bronze stylized plaque depicting two horse-griffins with inverted hind legs, with row of griffin heads above. Size: 10.7 x 5 cm. Still with two hooks on back for attachment. A masterpiece. cp. Collection David-Weill #58. $7500

This piece gives the appearance of the sealing from an intricate cylinder seal.

141. Ordos, c. 2nd cent. B.C. an open-worked bronze plaque depicting a pair of grazing bulls within square frame. Magnificent green patina. Size: 10.8 x 5 cm. Cf. Bunker, "Animal Style " Art from East to West, No. 124, attributed to Mongolia, (Ordos) Hsiung-nu, 2nd cent. B.C. $5000

142. Eastern Chou Period c. early 5th cent. B.C. a very rare bronze "necklace" or belt with hook, comprising a chimera attached to ornate links of bronze chain. Over-all length 24"; plaque, 45 mm. $2750

For a similar chain and bronze pendant-buckle see Bunker, p. 102 and Collection David-Weill, p. 66 attributed to Chou Dynasty of the East,

Antiquities from Ancient Israel

143. Jericho, ca. mid 3rd millennium B.C. Old Kingdom Egyptian or Egyptian-style beaker in handsome, strongly banded alabaster -- of gently tapering shape, with flaring foot and thickened rim. A little worn at one side of rim and foot, otherwise intact and choice for not being repolished. H: 5.2". Found Jericho. $1000

144. Jericho, Middle Bronze Age, c. 2650 B.C.E. A beautiful yellow alabaster pyxis with two raised lugs on each side which are pierced for ties for suspension. The piece has a flat base which has the greatest width. The piece gradually reduces its girth from bottom to top. W: at base: 8 cm; at top 3 cm. $750

This piece was found in a Jericho tomb.

145. Jericho, Middle Bronze Age, c. 2650 B.C.E. A worn yellow alabaster vial with chipped rim from same tomb as above piece. H: 9 cm. $250

146. Judaea, Middle Bronze Age c. 2500 B.C.E., a conical-shaped one handle juglet with chip off the rim. This otherwise remarkably well-preserved tan clay vessel is quite charming. H: 14. Found Israel. $150

147. Carcamesh, Middle Bronze Age c. 2400-2200 B.C. A tall cylindrical flask in tan buff clay, with small neck and rim. H: 20 cm. plus small metal stand. Ex Swingler collection. Found Israel. $600

148. Carcamesh, Middle Bronze Age c. 2400-2200 B.C. A small squat bowl in tan buff clay. With separate modern stand. H: 8.5 cm. Both this and above piece come to points at their bases and were probably placed in the sand for stability. Same collection. Rare. Found Israel. $300J

149. Carcamesh, Middle Bronze Age c. 2400-2200 B.C. Simple well made pot spherical body, short wide neck, and out turned rim. In buff ware, with creme-tan slip. Perfectly preserved. H: 6". Ex Swingler collection. $450

150. Egyptians in Israel, Second Intermediate Period, ca. 1700-1550 B.C. Scarab ring with once-glazed steatite scarab still attached to its bronze ring. Simple stylized scarab with schematic back and band-like legs. Looped cord motif engraved on base. Ring a U-shaped bar with wire looped at the ends to hold scarab. Intact and finely preserved. Scarab L: 19 mm.; overall W: 31 mm. Found Israel. Choice. $375

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