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LOT 0995
Assyrian Bronze Arm and Hand Type Brooch
CIRCA 7TH-5TH CENTURY B.C.
4 x 4 in. (186 grams total, 10 x 10.3 cm including frame).
The bow decorated with circumferential grooves, one arm ending with the partially preserved wire coil; the catchplate in the form of a hand engraved with an X; accompanied by a display frame with information ticket. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx Robin Symes Gallery, London, UK, 1990s.
From a Leicestershire, UK, collection.
Cf. Curtis, J., An examination of late Assyrian Metalwork with special reference to Nimrud, Oxford-Oakville, 2013, pl.LXXXVIII.
FootnotesFibulae with triangular bows (type 3 of Curtis classification) were the most common in Assyria. At least 66 bronze examples have been found at Nimrud, 32 in the graves and tombs at Ashur, 14 at Kouyunjik (some of them represented only by fragments), three at Nebbi Yunus, six at Khorsabad, three at Sharif Khan, all fragmentary, and single examples at Tell Billa and Tell al Rimah.
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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Mesopotamian Decorated Bulla Envelope Containing Tokens
Mid 6th-mid 4th millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
Spherical hollow clay mass with the remains of impressions to the exterior and ceramic tokens inside; surface cracked. 169 grams, 61 mm
Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992. Thence by descent to family members. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.
This bulla envelope likely belonged to the Sumerian or Uruk culture. It is believed that there are less than 250 complete and fragmentary examples of this type of bulla envelope worldwide. This is one of only a handful of examples ever offered at auction. The bulla first emerged in Mesopotamia around 8000 B.C. The clay envelopes contain a number of pre-baked accounting tokens, which were used in commercial and stock-taking transactions. Placing the tokens inside the bulla greatly enhanced the honesty of the transaction, as the bulla would have to be broken or crushed to reveal its contents. -
Luristan Bronze Spouted Vessel
13th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Barrel-bodied with stepped shoulder, everted rim, tapering U-section spout and raised foot with notches; decorated with circumferential grooves separating bands of incised geometric ornament. 513 grams, 20 cm wide
Ex late Japanese private collection, 1970s-2015. Ex Ancient Art, London, UK. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Ancient Art, London N14. -
Bactrian Gold Earring Pair
Circa 1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
Each composed of an ear hook with circular cells at the neck and triangular plaque composed of graduated gold bulbs. 3.16 grams, 18 mm each
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
