900-750 BC. A carved serpentine seal with frieze depicting a seated king and attendant with offerings between borders; supplied with a cast; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: ’Cylinder seal of dark stone, 44 x 15 mm. The design shows a seated king on the right, on a chair with high back. He has a long beard and wears a long robe with bottom fringe. In one hand he is holding up a cup. Facing him is a servant lacking a beard but similarly clad. He holds up a fan in one hand while gripping a long towel or similar thing with the other hand. It nearly reaches the ground in front of him, passes over his shoulder and falls down almost to the ground behind. Between the two figures there is a tall offering table with a jar resting on the top, also two plant stems appear before the king. In the sky there is a lunar crescent and a tall tree or plant serves as a terminal. The design is put between upper and lower bands of chevrons pointing in opposite directions. This is a Neo-Assyrian seal, c. 900-750 B. C. It is a large example of its type and in good condition. The king is no doubt libating to a god, and the pot on the offering table contains wine or other liquid of his libation.’ 17 grams, 44mm (1 3/4"). From an important North London collection formed before 1980.

Fine condition.