Amlash Terracotta Animal Bowl

Discoid in plan with pinched and folded rim to form two nozzles. 41 grams, 62 mm



From the private collection of a Canadian gentleman living in Essex, UK, formed since the 1920s-circa 1990. Property of an Essex lady until the late 1990s; thence by descent. From the private collection of an Essex gentleman since the late 1990s. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Bifacial Master of Animals motif atop a collared tubular stem with flared foot; comprising two addorsed rams with their forelegs tied together; two addorsed birds standing on the rams' backs looking towards two birds' heads facing downwards and joined to slender crescentic boars with ridged backs and gaping mouths, each in the grip of the Master standing crowned between them; the Master with tubular body, animal-like ears, prominent nose above a small mouth and wearing collars, neck rings and tiered headdress; waisted socket below; mounted on a display stand. 930 grams total, 43 cm including stand



Acquired in Iran, 1967. Private collection, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12824-241323. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

According to current knowledge, one type of Luristan standards consisted of two symmetrical animal figures standing upright on their hind legs and facing each other with an anthropomorphic character at the centre. Like the "zoomorphic standards", the "zoomorphic standards with a human head" and the "idols", this type has two faces, which means that it was conceived to be viewed from all sides.

Modelled in the round depicting the (severed?) head of the Mesopotamian demon Humbaba, with iconic facial features in relief; hollow with vent to the neck; produced from a two-piece mould, with median seam through the facial features. 191 grams, 87 mm



Private collection, Israel. with Holy Land House of Antiquities, Jerusalem, 1980s. Acquired by the current owner from the above, 2001. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12878-241678. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Within traditional Mesopotamian religion, Humbaba was a creature regarded as Guardian of the Cedar forest and the brother of Pazuzu. He was represented as a giant who had been raised by the sun god, Shamash.