Jemdet Nasr White Stone Cylinder seal






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A Jemdet Nasr cylinder seal carved from white stone, circa 3200–2900 BC, perforated for suspension, supplied with a museum‑quality impression, in good condition and authentic/original.
Description from the seller
A fine cylinder seal from the Jemdet Nasr period, carved from a white stone, possibly marble. The seal has been engraved with a geometric design composed of almond-shaped forms, reminiscent of eyes surrounded by radiating parallel lines. The seal has been perforated longitudinally for suspension. The piece is supplied with a museum-quality impression. Wear to the surface of the stone. There is a chip to one of the flat sides.
The Jemdet Nasr period arose at the turn of the 3rd millenium BC, and takes its name from a Tell in Southern Mesopotamoia at which an abundance of archaeological material was discovered. This material was stylistically unique both from the material culture of the Uruk period that preceded it and contained the first finalised version of the cuneiform script, making it a pivotal period in the development of early civilisation. 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.
Measurements: (circa) H 2.4cm x W 1.6cm
Provenance: From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
Seller's Story
A fine cylinder seal from the Jemdet Nasr period, carved from a white stone, possibly marble. The seal has been engraved with a geometric design composed of almond-shaped forms, reminiscent of eyes surrounded by radiating parallel lines. The seal has been perforated longitudinally for suspension. The piece is supplied with a museum-quality impression. Wear to the surface of the stone. There is a chip to one of the flat sides.
The Jemdet Nasr period arose at the turn of the 3rd millenium BC, and takes its name from a Tell in Southern Mesopotamoia at which an abundance of archaeological material was discovered. This material was stylistically unique both from the material culture of the Uruk period that preceded it and contained the first finalised version of the cuneiform script, making it a pivotal period in the development of early civilisation. 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.
Measurements: (circa) H 2.4cm x W 1.6cm
Provenance: From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
Seller's Story
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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.
