Amlash Terracotta Bull Rhyton

Trilobate in design with strap handle to the reverse, accompanied by typed and signed note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 52 x 51 x 48 x 17mm. This bears the shape of the design, with flat face and flat back, on which is mounted a handle of inverted V-shape. The design, which is compartmented, consists of three similar parts meeting in the middle. Each part consists of a supporting arm which divides into two joined rough scallops at its end. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. The edges are dented and the piece somewhat bent, but generally it is in good condition. The arms may depict something, but they are difficult to interpret. It is a rare design.' 33 grams, 52 mm



Ex collection of a late London gentleman, 1990s. Accompanied by an original typed and signed scholarly note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993. 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.

Conical with a domed top, ten-line inscription for Gudea of Lagash, giving a record of the building of Eninnu, the temple of Ningirsu: 'For Ningirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, brought about perfection: he built and restored his E-ninnu-anzud-babbar.' 172 grams, 12.2 cm



From an important collection formed before 1988. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert. 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.

Votive cones are one type of royal foundation deposit, objects that were buried in the walls and beneath the floors of important buildings during construction to sanctify the site and to create a historical memory of the ruler and his achievements.

Comprising a wide hoop with striated shoulders, openwork flower beneath the bezel, octagonal bezel set with an orange agate intaglio engraved with densely arranged calligraphic text in an oval medallion. 20.52 grams, 29.22 mm overall, 21.86 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Y 1/2, USA 12 1/4, Europe 28.2, Japan 27)



From the family collection of a Hampstead gentleman; formerly acquired in the 1980s. 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.