Mesopotamian stone Cylinder seal (No reserve price)
Opens 16 December
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 280 - € 350
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Description from the seller
This object is a cylinder seal, a type of art and administrative tool originating from ancient Mesopotamia. These small hard stone cylinders, engraved with complex patterns, are considered one of the most beautiful artistic achievements of that civilization.
This seal measures 47mm in length and 2cm in diameter. It depicts several figures during a ritual ceremony. Also represented are a palm tree and a bird. Some nails indicate an inscription.
Cylinder seals were used to create a relief impression on malleable surfaces like wet clay. This impression served to:
Signature and identification: It enabled the identification of the responsible authority for a document or the owner of an asset.
Security and authentication: They were used to seal goods, containers, or documents, serving as a mark of ownership or authentication.
Amulet or jewelry: Aside from their administrative function, cylinder seals were often worn around the neck or waist like jewelry or protective amulets.
These seals played a crucial role in the trade and administrative management of Mesopotamia, and their motifs inspired the earliest writing systems.
Provenance: part of an old collection acquired by inheritance.
The shipment will be sent via B Post Belgium with a tracking number.
Shipment only to Europe.
Disclaimer from Catawiki: this object may be old or a replica.
This object is a cylinder seal, a type of art and administrative tool originating from ancient Mesopotamia. These small hard stone cylinders, engraved with complex patterns, are considered one of the most beautiful artistic achievements of that civilization.
This seal measures 47mm in length and 2cm in diameter. It depicts several figures during a ritual ceremony. Also represented are a palm tree and a bird. Some nails indicate an inscription.
Cylinder seals were used to create a relief impression on malleable surfaces like wet clay. This impression served to:
Signature and identification: It enabled the identification of the responsible authority for a document or the owner of an asset.
Security and authentication: They were used to seal goods, containers, or documents, serving as a mark of ownership or authentication.
Amulet or jewelry: Aside from their administrative function, cylinder seals were often worn around the neck or waist like jewelry or protective amulets.
These seals played a crucial role in the trade and administrative management of Mesopotamia, and their motifs inspired the earliest writing systems.
Provenance: part of an old collection acquired by inheritance.
The shipment will be sent via B Post Belgium with a tracking number.
Shipment only to Europe.
Disclaimer from Catawiki: this object may be old or a replica.
Details
Era
Before 1400
Culture
Mesopotamian
Metal
stone
Century/ Timeframe
1er-2ème millénaire avant JC ou une Replica
Acquired from
Inherited
Total weight
40 g
Year acquired
2015
Condition
Very good condition - slightly used with small signs of wear
Country acquired from
Belgium
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1975
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Width
20 mm
Length
47 mm
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.
