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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]
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.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.
FootnotesThe 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0239
Bactrian Chlorite Vessel with Opposing Serpents
Sold for (Inc. bp): £9,100
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Achaemenid Heavy Gold Earring Pair
Circa 6th-4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
A matched pair of large earrings decorated with pomegranates on the outer edge, the crescentic body divided in transversal grooves representing the abdomen of a bee, with granulation on the inner and outer edge, a horizontal gold wire with circlets to the centre. 23.78 grams total, 38 mm each
From a private family collection formed since the early 19th century, thence by descent. Property of a New Zealand legal professional. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12326-223715. 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.
Fruit were generally considered to be a symbol of sensuality, temptation and fertility; the giving and accepting of fruit may be regarded as a symbolic sexual act, or at least a prelude to marriage. It follows naturally that the pomegranate, with its innumerable fleshy seeds symbolising life and fecundity, was an attribute of Aphrodite. -
Central Asian Green Steatite Stone Frog Amulet
1st millennium B.C. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £494
Carved in the round depicting two frogs mating, with socket eyes. 7.37 grams, 33 mm
From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. 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. -
Elamite Bronze Piravend Statuette
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
A male wearing a tunic belted to the waist; left hand on hip, right hand raised holding a club(?); incised details to the face. 10 grams, 50 mm
Fine condition.
Ex property of a North London lady; gifted from her father's collection; formerly with a Mayfair gallery, London, UK; previously acquired in the 1980s. From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent. 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.
