Achaemenid Columnar Seal with Figures. Circa 500 B.C. Square in section, sides tapering to the pierced apex; sequence of four intaglio figures: female on a hatched seat offering food to a goose; advancing female with hair in a single braid to the rear, holding a bowl and alabastron; male in knee-length tunic with lion-skin hood, holding an inverted spear; advancing female with hair in a single braid to the rear, holding a wreath and flower; rhyton to the underside. 9.8 grams, 25 mm (1 in.). Acquired 1970-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12540-231460.