Lot 68: AN ANCIENT NEAR EASTERN STONE CYLINDER SEAL WITH CUNEIFORM INSCRIPTION

This lot comprises an ancient Near Eastern cylinder seal, likely originating from the Mesopotamian region. The object is carved from a dark green to black hardstone, possibly chlorite or steatite, and takes a vertical cylindrical form with a longitudinal perforation through the centre. The exterior is decorated with intaglio carving featuring a figurative scene and columns of script. The figurative area appears to depict a standing or seated figure in a traditional profile pose. The accompanying script consists of vertical and horizontal wedge-shaped incisions characteristic of cuneiform, used across Mesopotamia and neighbouring regions. 

L: 1.7cm