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LOT 0224
Bactrian Lapis Lazuli Recumbent Bull with Inlaid Eyes
3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
1 3/4 in. (27.1 grams, 45 mm).
Carved in the round as a bull with curved tail forming the suspension lug, recessed sockets for eyes with inset turquoise beads; repaired.
Provenancewith Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, Tel Aviv, 1968.
with a London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s.
Accompanied by a copy of the original 1968 invoice.
See for ancient bull cults, see Rice, M., Power of the Bull, London, 1997, and discussion there.
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 0224
Bactrian Lapis Lazuli Recumbent Bull with Inlaid Eyes
Estimate £1,200 - 1,700€1,390 - 1,970 (for guidance only)$1,620 - 2,300 (for guidance only)
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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. -
Mesopotamian White Stone Cylinder Seal
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £900
With frieze depicting a post or bush between two opposed figures, one with tight-fitting trousers and arms bent towards the other with knee-length kilt and strapped garment to the chest, insect in flight between them; rosette below and three pellets above with two advancing figures in long tiered robes with one arm raised, the leading figure holding a sword at his wait, the following figure with one hand on a pedestal, sun-wheel above; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 22 grams, 34 mm
Ex S. collection, London, UK, 1980s-2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12420-226378. -
Mesopotamian Terracotta Cuneiform Tablet
2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,105
Pillow-shaped clay tablet with grid to both broad faces, cuneiform text. 114 grams, 72 mm
Formerly in North American collection, 1990s. From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman.
