Floral Stamp Seal

23rd-20th century BC. A bronze discoid seal with openwork stem design, accompanied a typed and signed note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 73 x 72 x 21mm. This is round, with scalloped edge, flat face and flat back, on which is mounted a handle of inverted U-shape. The design is both compartmented and open-work. it consists of a running outer band within which is one major motif: a central stem ending in a pointed bud, and two things branching off from the middle of the stem and bending twice to reach the outer edge. Struts supporting the main motif and two V-shapes fill the area. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c- 2300-2000 B.C. It is a large seal and in very good condition. The design is rare, possibly unique, but its interpretation is not yet sure. Is it a plant, or, from another angle, a composite bow and arrow? One must wait and hope for similar pieces to appear.' 84 grams, 74mm (3"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection number R-846, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s.
Condition Report: Fine condition.