Description A Babylonian carved hematite cylindrical seal
second millenium B.C.
The seal, carved with figures and cuneiform, with later gold lion-form mount; according to an accompanying letter from Horace H. F. Jayne, Director of the Museum of the University of Pennsylvania, with reference to research by Dr. Leon Legrain, D.D., Sc.D, the curator of the Babylonian section of the museum, and addressed to E. R. F. Johnson, dated January 23rd, 1937, the inscription may read "In the name of the Great God and the private God (name obscure of the Priest)..."
L: 1 1/8 in. (seal)
PROVENANCE:
Property formerly in the Collection of Eldridge Reeves Fenimore Johnson (1899-1986)
Thence by descent in the family.
NOTE: E. R. F. Johnson was a noted explorer, yachtsman and researcher. He was a pioneer in the development of underwater photography and had close ties with the University of Pennsylvania, where a collection of his photographs are preserved.
Condition Report Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Freeman's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colors and shades which are different to the lot's actual color and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Freeman's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Freeman's. For that reason, Freeman's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot. All transactions are governed by Freeman's Conditions of Sale.
