Amlash Bronze Collection of Animals

Octagonal in plan with polychrome glazed female bust surrounded by flowers. 723 grams, 18.3 cm



Acquired in London, 3 May 1989. Private collection, London.

Sturdy bronze penannular bracelet with C-section shank and ram-head detailing to the finials, inlaid shell(?) beads for the nostrils. 620 grams, 10.4 cm



Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. London, UK, collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12415-225380.

The bracelet is a product of the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex ('BMAC', also developed from the 'Oxus Civilization') which was the dominant culture in the 3rd and 2nd millennium (often dated to c.2250-1700 B.C.) in that area, corresponding roughly to modern Tajikistan and Afghanistan. The members of the group practised animal husbandry and a limited form of agriculture, with wheeled carts from the 4th millennium B.C. Its craftsmen were proficient at working metals and alloys including bronze, copper, silver, and gold. Fortified sites with multiple walls are another notable development.

Lozenge-shaped and of box construction, the central field set with nine garnets within raised frames set, the base with wire and chain work, the four corners set with facetted spherical terminals, four suspension loops between each terminal. 11.3 grams, 59 mm



From a private family collection formed in the 1970s.