Sumerian Carved Stone Cylinder Seal w/ Inscription

**First Time At Auction**

Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, Sumer, Third Dynasty of Ur, ca. 2119 to 2004 BCE. A beautiful stamp seal of a cylindrical form that is hand-carved from dark-brown hardstone with a suspension hole drilled lengthwise through the body. Incised on the body is a scene with two figures facing toward a third figure dressed in regal garments, perhaps a king or ruler, along with three columns of inscribed cuneiform script. Known as 'kishib' in Sumerian, cylinder seals like this example were used by individuals in every level of society - from kings and rulers, to merchants and tradespeople, to workers and slaves - to communicate messages. Size: 0.9" L x 0.4" W (2.3 cm x 1 cm); 2.625" H (6.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#137230
Condition Report: Minor chipping to top and bottom surfaces, small chips to seal itself, else intact and very good. Nice preservation to incised figural details and cuneiform script.