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LOT 0208
Bactrian Black Chlorite 'Hand Bag' Ceremonial Weight
3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
7 1/4 in. (8 3/8 in.) (2.95 kg total,18.5 cm (22.5 cm including stand)).
D-shaped in profile with void below the curved edge, obverse with reserved serpent and lion opposed, the lion's claw grasping the serpent; reverse with spread eagle flanked by rearing serpents; all bodies with sockets to accept coloured inserts; mounted on a custom-made stand. [No Reserve]
Provenancewith Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, Tel Aviv, 1960s.
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 no.12774-237878.
Cf. 7000 years of Iranian Art, Exhibition catalogue, Smithsonian Institute, 1964, p.54 & p.118, illustration no.11; and see Vidale, M., Treasures from the Oxus: The Art and Civilisation of Central Asia, London, 2017, pp.44-51, figs.41-45, for a variety of stones and shapes.
FootnotesThe object could have been carried or swung in ceremonies or processions. On one side is a bird of prey, with its claws surrounded by the writhing bodies of two serpents, whose heads flank the bird's head. This symmetrical scheme probably renders a version of the enmity of eagle and serpent, which must have been an important theme of ancient Iranian art; the motif was later diffused throughout the world.
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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West Central Asian Bronze Stamp Seal Matrix with Rosette Cross
Circa 2300-2000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £94
Openwork quatrefoil with triangular loop 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, 43 x 43 x 19 mm. This is an open-work compartmented seal bearing the shape of the design: a rosette with four petals, with an extra layer around the edge. on the back there is a handle of thick sheet metal in an inverted V-shape. This comes from West Central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is an unusual design. The outer rim is dented a little, otherwise it is in good condition.' 26 grams, 44 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. -
Mesopotamian Cream Stone Macehead
3rd-2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With slightly carinated equator to the globular body and tubular shaft. 417 grams, 96 mm
Ex 1990s collection and with a central London gallery. -
Western Asiatic Glass Sealing
10th-14th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Drum-shaped with iridescent surface, reserved bull's head and segmented spiral motifs. 19 grams, 27 mm
From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., 1969-1999.
