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LOT 1109
Assyrian Bronze Amulet in the Shape of Humbaba
CIRCA 800 B.C.
7/8 in. (2.2 grams, 22 mm).
Modelled in the round with hands clasped across the midriff and legs astride, arms forming loops.
ProvenanceAcquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent.
Private collection, 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.
Cf. similar pendant (head only) in the Metropolitan Museum of Art under accession no.1993.181.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Large Western Asiatic Silver-Coloured Metal Ring with Chrysoprase Calligraphic Gemstone
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
Comprising a keeled hoop, striated shoulders with notched edges, openwork flower motif beneath the octagonal bezel, gilt rim to the bezel set with a facetted intaglio engraved calligraphy on four sides and the top. 17.51 grams, 29.75 mm overall, 20.68 mm internal diameter (approximate size British W, USA 11, Europe 25, Japan 24)
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. -
Transjordan Holy Land Terracotta Jar with Two Handles
Early Bronze Age I, 3rd millennium B.C.Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £60
Comprising a bulbous body with narrow base and short neck, two strap handles. 382 grams, 14.5 cm
From the collection of a gentleman, Geneva, before 1988. 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. -
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Akkadian Shell Cylinder Seal with Heroes
2350-2200 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,720
Representing a god with horned helmet, half animal and half man, standing on the left and holding a staff, near him the hero Gilgamesh killing Humbaba, and the hero Enkindu killing the celestial bull, followed by a mythological divinity depicted as half animal and half human; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 27 grams, 33 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12577-232112. 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.
King Sargon of Akkad created political unity when he seized control of Mesopotamia, and carvings on seals from the time demonstrate his success by portraying the power the Akkadian gods had to legitimize both their domain and their rulers. Religious scenes on cylinder seals detail the spiritual beliefs and practices of the time. The deeply intertwined relationship between religion and state power in Akkad is also present in the decorations of some cylinder seals. Here the hero Gilgamesh, embodying the strength of royal power, kills the monster Humbaba, as the king of Akkad kills his enemies.
