Bactrian Style Lapis Lazuli and Other Stone and Glass Bead Necklace String

A late Kushan or Hephthalites Dynasty discoid pendant with a female deity, possibly Nana, at the centre holding a lotus flower in her right hand, hair elaborately dressed and wearing large earrings, necklace and bracelets; enclosed by a border of stylised bull heads and a double-plaited border, the outer edge with raised bosses; later applied polygonal suspension loop with granulated collars and an oval garnet cabochon. 22.11 grams, 71 mm



Acquired by a Swiss family in the mid-1980s to late 1990s, thence by descent. Private collection, Switzerland, since the late 1990s. 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.13021-246776.

Nana (Kushan Greek: Νανα, Ναναια, Ναναϸαο, Sogdian Nni) was a Bactrian female deity, a variation of the pan-Asian Nana, a fusion of the Sumero-Babylonian Inanna-Ishtar with a local deity, in her Kušan form with the local (Zoroastrian) Harakhvati Aredvi Sura Anahita. Such syncretism was common among Kušan deities. She was an important patron deity in the Kušan Empire and the most important deity worshipped by Emperor Kaniška (c. 127-150 A.D.).

Discoid stamp seal with segmented face; 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. 51x51x16 mm. This is round with zig-zag outer edge, flat face and flat back in the centre of which is a loop handle on inverted U-shape. the design, which is both compartmented and open-work, consists of a quadrate cross within an outer band which as loops on its inner side, and the zig-zag on its outer side. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c.2300-2000 B.C. It is covered with incrustation, which could be removed. The metal appears to be in good condition.' 68.2 grams, 52 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.

With standing and kneeling figures; accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Description of Cylinder Seal of Hematite, 17 x 8.5 mm. Between bands of guilloche above and below, each within rules, is kneeling deity, human below the shoulders, wings for arms, bird's head and long hair falling to the waist at the back; in front a human in a long robe holding crook and a row of four walking humans in short kilts; four small fillers. Syrian, c.1800-1600 B.C. Condition: fine.'; accompanied by a museum quality impression and a pair of red stone beads. 2.93 grams, 17 mm



Private collection, London, UK. Accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993.