Ubaid-Uruk Slate Rectangular Stamp Seal
08
days
13
hours
41
minutes
58
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 280 - € 350
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Rectangular slate stamp seal dating to the Ubaid–Uruk period (circa 4th millennium BC), with an incised geometric design on the base and a central linear motif, a perforated trapezoidal knob on the reverse for gripping, measuring approximately 1.9 cm × 2.2 cm × 1.9 cm, repaired with cracks and a chipped corner, acquired from a private collection in 2000 (previous owner from 1980) with provenance from an unknown country and verified legal ownership.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A rectangular seal made of slate, dating to the Ubaid or Uruk period. The seal is incised all around the edges and across the base with a geometric design, forming small squares and rectangles. In the very centre of the base are some linear markings which could represent an abstract figure. On the reverse of the piece is a trapezoidal knob with a perforation, allowing for the seal to be gripped, and strung for wear. The piece has been repaired and displays cracks across the body. One of the corners is chipped.
Seals were often made of stone however there are also examples rendered in bone, ivory, faience, glass, metal, wood, and even sun-dried or baked clay. In the ancient world, seals guaranteed the authenticity of marked ownership – as such, they were instrumental in legal transactions, and in the protection of goods against theft. Seal amulets with stylised animals have been found throughout Mesopotamia in contexts dating to the late fourth millennium BC, although stamp seals and cylinder seals were the predominant types in the ancient Near East.
Measurements: Circa 1.9cm x 2.2cm x 1.9cm
Provenance: From Ex. Cotswold collection, 1980. A large part of the collection was sold by a Cirencester Auction in November 2018.
Seller's Story
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
A rectangular seal made of slate, dating to the Ubaid or Uruk period. The seal is incised all around the edges and across the base with a geometric design, forming small squares and rectangles. In the very centre of the base are some linear markings which could represent an abstract figure. On the reverse of the piece is a trapezoidal knob with a perforation, allowing for the seal to be gripped, and strung for wear. The piece has been repaired and displays cracks across the body. One of the corners is chipped.
Seals were often made of stone however there are also examples rendered in bone, ivory, faience, glass, metal, wood, and even sun-dried or baked clay. In the ancient world, seals guaranteed the authenticity of marked ownership – as such, they were instrumental in legal transactions, and in the protection of goods against theft. Seal amulets with stylised animals have been found throughout Mesopotamia in contexts dating to the late fourth millennium BC, although stamp seals and cylinder seals were the predominant types in the ancient Near East.
Measurements: Circa 1.9cm x 2.2cm x 1.9cm
Provenance: From Ex. Cotswold collection, 1980. A large part of the collection was sold by a Cirencester Auction in November 2018.
Seller's Story
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Ubaid-Uruk
Century/ Timeframe
Circa 4th Millenium BC
Name of object
Rectangular Stamp Seal
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2000
Material
Slate
Country acquired from
Unknown
Condition
Repaired
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
