Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History, Stamps & Coins

Hexagonal in plan with later incuse kufic inscription; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5 grams, 18 mm



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

Carved in the round, stylised duck with head resting along the spine. 11 grams, 32 mm



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

Hemispherical type, incised concentric ring to the inner face beneath the rim, tremolier tree motif to the centre. 136 grams, 15 cm wide



Ex Abelita collection, 1990s.

Each carved in the round as a duck with its head laid back along its spine. 6.67 grams total, 17-22 mm



Private collection, Israel. with Holy Land House of Antiquities, Jerusalem, 1990s. Private European collection, acquired from the above in 2001.

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.

With teardrop-shaped body, tubular neck and everted rim, loop handle; painted panels of geometric floral motifs. 374 grams, 14.1 cm



UK collection, 1990s. Acquired on the UK art market, before 2000. Private collection, Mr M.V., a London-based businessman.

Including five with linear motifs, and a domed amulet with piercing. 46 grams total, 12-30 mm



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

Modelled reclining with its ears swept back, a pinecone or berry held between the front paws. 20 grams, 38 mm



London gentleman's collection, 1970-1990s, by descent.

Including a large zoomorphic amulet fragment, a pillar-shaped amulet, a stylised squatting humanoid figure pendant, and others. 8.1 grams total, 8-23 mm



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

Carved in the form of a duck with the neck resting along the spine; incuse Abraxas figure to underside with four radiating wings; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 4.9 grams, 20 mm



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

Rectangular in plan and in section with high-relief reserved design to each long face: ladder, concentric triangles, opposed bows, whisk (or flower). 6.72 grams, 22 mm



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

With biconical profile and flared foot, cable-twist strap handle, applied raised band to the shoulder and neck; discoid feline head with filler hole and spout, inset turquoise-coloured scaphoid eyes. 739 grams, 19.7 cm



UK collection, 1990s. Acquired on the UK art market, before 2000. Private collection, Mr M.V., a London-based businessman.