Loading, please wait...
LOT 0245
Bactrian Camel Applique
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
6 3/4 in. (245 grams total, 17.5 cm including frame).
A finely modelled two-humped camel, shown in a dynamic pose, possibly in the act of kneeling and balancing its body weight on its bent back and front legs; mounted in a display frame.
ProvenanceEx London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s.
Property of a London gentleman.
Cf. Sarianidi, V., Myths of Ancient Bactria and Margiana on its Seals and Amulets, Moscow, 1998, fig.110, for similar; cf. also the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession no.53.117.1, for a similar statuette.
FootnotesCamels were a symbol of wealth and well-being. The importance of the Bactrian camel is attested in the ancient sources. The two-humped Bactrian camel, object of many seal representations, was already widespread in North India during the first quarter of the 2nd millennium B.C. It was probably an Aryan introduction. The Mitanni came from Bactria and Margiana and maintained a close connection with their regions of origin, via Khorasan, as can be suggested by the presence of Bactrian camels on the Mitanni seals.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
-s.jpg)
Assyrian Bronze Arm and Hand Type Brooch
Circa 7th-5th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
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. 186 grams total, 10 x 10.3 cm including frame
Ex Robin Symes Gallery, London, UK, 1990s. From a Leicestershire, UK, collection.
Fibulae 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. -
Akkadian Marble Cylinder Seal with Contest Scene
2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
With incuse frieze depicting a male figure holding a sceptre between two rampant stags; behind, a second pair of rampant beasts (probably lions) fighting; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 16.7 grams, 28 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. -
Qajar Tiles Decorated with Persian Battle Scene
19th century A.D.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,250
A panel of twelve glazed pictorial tiles in vibrant colours depicting a battle scene from the epic poem 'Shahnameh', written during the reign of Sultan Mahmoud Ghaznavi (979-1030 A.D). and presented to him by the poet Ferdowsi, with two warriors on horseback fighting with swords, four trumpeters above and wounded figures and discarded arms below; with three small cartouches of nastaʿlīq script inscription at top; the tiles set with ornamental studs at intersections; all mounted within a substantial part-gilt wooden frame for hanging or display. 24.5 kg, 87 x 68.5 cm
Ex Habib Anavian Galleries Ltd, New York, USA. with Mahboubian Gallery, London, UK. Accompanied by the original 1979 catalogue where this piece is published. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12129-217321.
