‘Bottle-brush’ Tree and Its Role in Creating Standard Compositions on Neo-Assyrian Seals in the Linear-style

Abstract

Neo-Assyrian glyptics produced several standard compositions which were repeatedly reproduced over the three centuries of the Neo-Assyrian empire’s existence, as attested by the numerous seals engraved with almost identical scenes of rituals or hunts. The canon of these compositions could be upheld by applying a rigid scheme in the scenes’ planning and maintaining the same technique of their execution. The seal-cutters often used simple incisions as outlines for the planned scene, which they subsequently masked as floral elements resembling a bottle-brush. These elements of the compositions provide a key to exploring the seal-engraving techniques of the first millennium BC.

Authors and Affiliations

Mateusz Iskra

Keywords

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  • EP ID EP266149
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How To Cite

Mateusz Iskra (2016). ‘Bottle-brush’ Tree and Its Role in Creating Standard Compositions on Neo-Assyrian Seals in the Linear-style. Études et Travaux (Institut des Cultures Méditerranéennes et Orientales de l’Académie Polonaise des Sciences), 0(), 67-73. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-266149