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LOT 0311
Bactrian Lapis and Gold Necklace with Gold-Capped Central Bead
CIRCA 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C. AND LATER
22 1/4 in. (126 grams total, 56.5 cm long).
Graduated group of restrung tubular and tabular beads with gilt-metal interstitial collars; centrepiece of a large cylindrical agate bead with gold end-caps; S-hook and eye closure; with custom display box.
ProvenanceEx Swiss collection, kept in London since the 1980s.
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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LOT 0311
Bactrian Lapis and Gold Necklace with Gold-Capped Central Bead
Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
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Sumerian Limestone Bull Head Protome
3rd millennium B.C.Estimate: £40,000 - 60,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £20,000
With large eyes, the pupils inlaid in black chlorite, bone insert for the sclerae, three arching grooved brows, the wide muzzle with a horizontal incision between the nostrils, closed mouth; sockets to the sides of the head to accept separately made horns and ears; the edge of the neck contoured for attachment; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 1.24 kg total, 14.5 cm high including stand
Private European collection, 1985. with Christie’s, New York, 3 June 2009, no.35. Private collection, Europe. 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.12358-226703.
In Sumerian mythology, the bull was associated with the storm and rain god Hadad (Iškur), and is widely represented on artworks (Woolley, 1961, pp.46, 52; Kramer, 1979, figs.17, 18, 22). The round inlaid eyes are typical of Sumerian art of Early Dynastic Period, as well as the three eyebrows. -
Bactrian Lapis Lazuli Tubular Bead with Snake
3rd millennium B.C.Estimate: £700 - 900 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £280
Square in section, tubular bead with reserved coiled serpent, head at each end. 3.32 grams, 36 mm
with Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, Tel Aviv, 1968. with a London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s. Includes a copy of the original 1968 invoice. -
Western Asiatic Bull-Head Black Seal with Hunting Scene
Susa II, 3rd millennium B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
Carved and polished in the form of a bird (or facing bull's head) with drilled eyes; reverse with incised hunting scene of a central bowman with weapon raised and two gazelles fleeing in opposite directions; with old collector's catalogue slip. 41.9 grams, 66 mm
From the collection of Mr S.M., London, UK, formed from 1979-1999. Accompanied by a copy of a previous illustrated catalogue slip.