Loading, please wait...
LOT 0212
Bactrian Stone Female 'Princess' Idol
BACTRIA-MARGIANA, LATE 3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
3 3/4 in. (540 grams total, 95 mm high).
Carved as a seated human figure, body with rows of overlapping tufts of fur, set with a bald head carved from cream stone with semi-naturalistic detailing to the face; a separate wig with wavy hair, and separately modelled hands.
ProvenancePalace Galleries, New York, early 2000s.
Acquired by the current owner from the above.
Private collection of a North American lady.
Accompanied by a copy of an invoice.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13372-256950.
See Aruz, J., Art of The First Cities: The Third Millennium B.C. from the Mediterranean to the Indus, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2003, pp. 367-368, for discussion and similar examples; cf. Hiebert, F. and Cambon, P. eds., Afghanistan: Crossroads of the Ancient World, The British Museum Press, 2011, pp.71-76, for discussion and comparable objects.
FootnotesThis wonderful composite stone sculpture of a seated female figure with finely carved features is typical of the area of Bactria-Margiana, from the late 3rd to early 2nd millennium B.C. Among the few three-dimensional images assigned to this period in Central Asia are a group of stone female figures seated or squatting on a platform and wearing a pattern-decorated robe, perhaps imitating sheep's fleece.
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.
LOT 0212
Bactrian Stone Female 'Princess' Idol
Estimate £10,000 - 14,000€11,600 - 16,240 (for guidance only)$13,500 - 18,900 (for guidance only)
-
Uruk Grey Chert Cylinder Seal
Circa 2800 B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Squat cylinder seal showing two drilled beasts flanking a tree; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 10.53 grams, 18 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. Accompanied by a previous typed catalogue slip with collection no.24. -
Large West Central Asian Bronze Five-Spoked Motif Seal Matrix
Circa 2300-2000 B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Openwork seal matrix with loop handle on the reverse, accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 39 x 39 x 15 mm. This is round, with notched outer edge with flat face and flat back on which a handle of inverted U-shape is mounted. The design is compartmented and partly open-work, perhaps by accident. It consists of five identical linear motifs starting from the edge, curving around and crossing over themselves then curving around in matching fashion and reaching the edge. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is a rare design. There is a little damage to the edge and the centre of the design, but generally it is in good condition.' 38.5 grams, 39 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly report, numbered R-745, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert. -
Western Asiatic Stone Cylinder Seal Group
3rd-2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Comprising: a brown serpentine seal with a geometric pattern; a cream serpentine seal with a geometric pattern; a black steatite seal with a figure in a fringed dress with the hood over the head, a small table and two corn-ears as a divider; a blue glass seal with a standing figure and a rearing quadruped; supplied with museum-quality impressions. 27.1 grams total, 22-24 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. Accompanied by previous typed catalogue slips with collection nos.4, 5, 28, and one handwritten.
