Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History & Coins

Restrung group of tabular, fusiform and other carnelian beads, including some glass beads, with granulated tubular gold collar spacers between. 45.5 grams, 55 cm



From the collection of a late Japanese gentleman, 1970s onwards.

Comprising a flat-section hoop with fluted shoulders, oval bezel set with a carnelian intaglio bearing a three-line inscription referring to the Prophet Ezekiel. 11.17 grams, 28.34 mm overall, 21.18 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X, USA 11 1/2, Europe 26.29, Japan 25)



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

Formed as a splayed animal figure with an integral loop. 2.16 grams, 21 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

The majority of a pillow-shaped tablet with cuneiform text on both sides. 29.8 grams, 38.3 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Carved in the round in a resting pose with its wings folded against the body, with intricate feather detailing on the body. 37.9 grams, 54.6 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Comprising an S-shaped balustered body with a stylised animal head finial with open jaws at the upper end; a seated lion at the top of the handle with long tail and gaping jaws. 58 grams, 11 cm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

With inscribed geometric design to the underside. 16.25 grams, 26.35 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Tubular in form with flared foot and mouth, lateral lug handles. 10.75 grams, 35.49 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Comprising: standing beast; geometric cruciform motif; standing ibex. 3.41 grams total, 8.82-11.31 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Tongue-shaped in profile with incuse image of an advancing ram beneath a crescent moon, arrow in the field. 4.40 grams, 18.46 mm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.

The ibex, a wild mountain goat with distinctive curved horns, was a popular and meaningful motif in ancient Near Eastern art. It often appears in Mesopotamian and Persian imagery, where it could symbolise strength, agility, and a connection to the natural and divine worlds. In some contexts, the ibex is linked with fertility and abundance, particularly through its association with flowing water and vegetation. Its elegant form also made it well suited to small-scale objects such as seals, where its image could serve both a decorative and symbolic purpose, reflecting the beliefs and environment of the cultures that produced them.

Each with a grooved geometric concentric lozenge design. 3.28 grams total, 14.04-16.10 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Plano-convex in section with drilled motif to underside of two running quadrupeds; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 36.97 grams, 38.05 mm



From the private collection of the late Mr W. Magee, Hartlepool, County Durham, UK, 1960s-1990s, thence by descent. Accompanied by a previous cataloguing information card.