Neo-Assyrian Jasper Cylinder Seal with Chariot Hunting Scene

Culture: Assyrian

Period: 8th-7th Century B.C.

Material: Jasper

Dimensions: 1.6 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 6674

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

Condition: Intact

Description: Small but finely executed Neo-Assyrian cylinder seal carved from black jasper, depicting a chariot hunting scene. The bearded charioteer, wearing a long robe, holds a spear aloft in his right hand, ready to hurl it at a long-necked gazelle leaping before the chariot. A second spear is placed behind him. The chariot itself rests on a seven-spoked wheel and is drawn by a finely detailed horse at a gallop. Above the scene appears the crescent moon, symbol of the god Sin, who, as witness to the action, presides over fate. Next to the crescent, in the spirit of “horror vacui”, the fear of empty space, a scorpion is engraved. It leads the chariot and symbolises indomitable defence, perhaps in association with the goddess Ishhara. For comparisons of such hunting scenes on cylinder seals, see the object in the Metropolitan Museum of Art with the inventory number 1970.183.2 and in the British Museum with the registration number 89586.