Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History & Coins

Carved in the round figure of a lion crouching on its haunches, with neck arched and forepaws resting on the spine (upper edge) of an animal placed perpendicular to the lion's head biting into its flesh; the D-shaped face with teardrop-shaped sockets for the eyes, button nose, small triangular ears; the prey with legs folded beneath the body, head turned along the lion's mane and left shoulder, with small protrusive horn and ear, oval socket for the eye; integral base with rounded lateral edges, fracture at each end. 340 grams, 85 mm



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

Each plano-convex in section with heavily scored detailing. 5.77 grams total, 39.65-47.82 mm



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

Carved anatomical detailing on the body, underside with an advancing horse, and a branch above. 2.45 grams, 15 mm



From a late Warwickshire numismatic collector, his collection formed from the early 1980s.

Comprising an ovoid body with a narrow foot and a tubular neck with a trefoil lip, strap handle to the rear. 290 grams, 15.3 cm



From the collection of a Yorkshire, UK gentleman, items collected in the Holy Land in the 1960s.

Comprising a hollow-formed flared foot with vertical slits, poppy-head bowl with everted rim supported by two small lugs; two rows of perforations at the shoulder. 460 grams, 14.5 cm



From the collection of a gentleman, 1988-2000s.

A substantial penannular bracelet with a round-section body decorated with deep swirling grooves. 174 grams, 75 mm



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

Comprising mainly oblate beads, restrung. 92.6 grams, 48 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Cushion-shaped bead with linear and pellet motifs on one side, pierced. 1.72 grams, 13 mm



From a late Warwickshire numismatic collector, his collection formed from the early 1980s.

Hollow-formed pendant with a raised mid-rib and edge on both sides. 0.56 grams, 13 mm



Ex private British collection, formed in the 1980s. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman.

Trapezoid blade with narrow butt and curved cutting edge, rectangular in cross-section. 264 grams, 18.5 cm



Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.

This was one of the commonest tool types in the Early and Middle Cypriot Bronze Age, but rarer in the Late Bronze Age. These axes were fixed to a wooden shaft with thongs.

Conical in section with suspension hole and pointillé texture; underside with stylised human figure. 7.32 grams, 37.26 mm



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

In a gilt wooden glazed frame with card reveal to both pages; collector's label to reverse with details: 'Dala'il al Khairat Bokhara C.1820. This superb illuminated manuscript is of the popular prayer book, the Dala'il Al Khairat and is thought to have been scribed in Bokhara, some 150 miles from Samarkand. For centuries Bokhara was a centre of Islamic scholarship in Asia. The city had some 360 mosques and nearly 10,000 pupils received their education in 140 madrasas or theological colleges. Many fine manuscripts were scribed there, principally to serve the vibrant Muslim culture. This item is a wonderful example. The script is naskh enclosed in gold clouds, an Indian influence. The central panels are bordered with a meandering vine border of the highest quality. It is sad that about a third of the book was damaged beyond repair. An essential item for collectors, a pearl almost beyond price.' 516 grams, 28.7 x 23.5 cm



Acquired on the UK art market.