Neo-Assyrian Hematite Cylinder Seal with Lion and Prey Animal

Culture: Assyrian

Period: 9th-8th century B.C.

Material: Hematite

Dimensions: 2.2 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 6698

Provenance: From the Austrian collection Danho Abdul Massich, acquired in 1978 and since then in Austria.

Condition: Intact

Description: Metallically shining hematite cylinder seal from the northwestern periphery of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. The depiction shows a stylised lion pursuing a horned animal and just about to leap. The simplified depiction, the absence of framing lines, and the open space left between the animals all place the seal within the Assyro-Aramaean region. It is a classic utility seal, in which, alongside the simple, clearly recognisable motif, emphasis was also placed on the durable material, hematite.