Loading, please wait...

Bactrian Stone 'Hand Bag' Ceremonial Weight Bactrian Stone 'Hand Bag' Ceremonial Weight Bactrian Stone 'Hand Bag' Ceremonial Weight Bactrian Stone 'Hand Bag' Ceremonial Weight Bactrian Stone 'Hand Bag' Ceremonial Weight Bactrian Stone 'Hand Bag' Ceremonial Weight
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Details

LOT 0310

Bactrian Stone 'Hand Bag' Ceremonial Weight

LATE 3RD-EARLY 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.

10 3/4 in. (9.95 kg, 27.5 cm).

Rectangular block with round-section loop handle.

Provenance

Ex West London, UK, collection, 1990s.
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.

Literature

See Vidale, M., Treasures from the Oxus: The Art and Civilisation of Central Asia, London, 2017, pp.44-51, figs.41-45, for a variety of stones and shapes.

Footnotes

Among the most iconic intercultural style objects are the so-called 'lock' or 'hand bag' weights. These were probably not weights at all, but were likely badges of high office, carried to indicate authority. Similar objects have been found throughout Mesopotamia, the islands of the Persian Gulf, on the Iranian steppe, as well as the Indus Valley.

CONDITION
VETTING:

TimeLine 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 0310

Bactrian Stone 'Hand Bag' Ceremonial Weight

Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Amlash Terracotta Net-Painted Vessel
    Amlash Terracotta Net-Painted Vessel
    1st millennium B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £117

    Rounded body with two round-section handles on the shoulder, short neck and everted rim; painted net decoration on the upper body. 308 grams, 11.2 cm



    with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. 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.

    Lot Details

  • Western Asiatic Painted Terracotta Jar
    Western Asiatic Painted Terracotta Jar
    1st millennium B.C.

    Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £60

    Globular in profile with trumpet-shaped neck and mouth, circumferential painted bands and roundels. 1.41 kg, 23 cm



    From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman, 1990s. 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.

    Lot Details

  • Western Asiatic Gold Appliqué with Gryphon Heads
    Western Asiatic Gold Appliqué with Gryphon Heads
    8th-7th century B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £364

    D-shaped with openwork and repoussé design of opposed gryphons; mounted on a custom-made stand. 25.61 grams total, head: 30 mm



    Acquired before 2000. Ex Mayfair, London, UK, collection reference no.172. Private collection, London, UK. 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.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list