LOT 0239

Bactrian Chlorite Vessel with Opposing Serpents

3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.

9 in. (2.3 kg, 23 cm).

With a frieze comprising an eagle with spread wings, two rearing lion-headed serpents above with open jaws; the bodies of the beasts with shallow sockets to accept inserts, some still present. [No Reserve]

with 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.12773-237879.
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. Salvatori, S., ‘Early Bactrian Objects in private collections’ in Ligabue, G., and Salvatori, S., Bactria. An Ancient Oasis from the Sands of Afghanistan, Venice, 1988, pp.181-7, fig.84, for vessels with figures of animals in the same style; Aruz, J. (ed.), Art Of The First Cities: The Third Millennium B.C. from the Mediterranean to the Indus, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 2003, p.326, for similar vessel.

The chlorite stone vessels of early Bactria were kidney-shaped vessels with simple geometric decoration often representing snakes and other animals. Small cylindrical vases were used as cosmetic containers, together with chlorite cosmetic flasks. Interestingly the eyes and the bodies of the animals were destined to receive inlay, as can be seen on our specimen where some are still in situ.