Sumerian Calcite Cylinder Sear, ex Erlenmyer Collection

Ancient Near East, southern Mesopotamia, southern Iraq, Sumer, Early Dynastic II, ca. 2700 to 2400 BCE. A superb large cylinder seal carved from light green calcite. The scene consists of two crossed rearing lions attacking two rampant mythological horned creatures, a male figure, possibly the God Dumuzi, with spiky hair and brandishing a dagger. Accompanied by molded rollout. Size: .925" W x 1.625" H (2.3 cm x 4.1 cm); 4.375" W (11.1 cm) on included custom stand.

For a similar seal in hematite, also from the Erlenmeyer collection, see The Met Museum, New York, object 327482

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Royal Athena Gallery, acquired from Bonham's London in April 1999, as property from the Hans Erlenmeyer collection, Basel, Switzerland, acquired in the 1940s-1960

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

#164560
Condition Report: Old chip to top, deep deposits throughout, engraving still very deep and visible.