‡ Stamp seal with Ibex, carved on black steatite or chlorite [Near East, fourth millennium BC.]

‡ Stamp seal, with single large male Ibex with long curving horns, walking left, small half-moon marks denoting ground, and ridge worn into reverse, carved on black steatite or chlorite[Near East, fourth millennium BC.] Semi-precious stone, carved in deep relief and good detail, pierced through centre, some small scratches, current collection number in white on reverse, else in excellent condition, 47 by 51 by 13mm. Provenance: 1. From the formidable antiquities collection of Hans Erlenmeyer (1900-1967), and his wife Marie-Louise Erlenmeyer (1912-1997), housed in Basel; this piece acquired in the 1950s. In 1981 Marie-Louise Erlenmeyer founded the Erlenmeyer Foundation to promote animal and species protection.2. Sold on behalf of the foundation at Sotheby's, 12 June 1997, lot 8 (illustrated there); to the current owner;3. Schøyen Collection, London and Oslo, their MS 2409/1. Text:A fine pictographic stamp seal, most probably with an owner's personal emblem. See also previous lot.