Bactrian Style Lapis Lazuli Bead Necklace String

Comprising: a grey steatite seal with a geometric pattern; a concave grey steatite seal with a linear pattern; a black steatite seal with a zig-zag motif; a steatite seal with a man wearing a Syrian fur-trimmed skirt, a figure in a fringed skirt, partition, a frontal nude woman, partition, a figure in a skirt and a tree; a dark grey granite seal with three dashed figures; supplied with museum-quality impressions. 15.3 grams total, 12-19 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. Accompanied by a previous typed catalogue slips with collection nos.6, 7, 19, 42, 68.

White metal ring with the shoulders formed as birds with spread wings, conical bezel set with a carnelian cabochon engraved with a scorpion. 10.16 grams, 32.39 mm overall, 18.05 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



Ex English collection of Mr A.H.D. Accompanied by a previously illustrated catalogue card with provenance.

Penannular armband with shallow D-section hoop and terminals formed as stylised ram-heads, each with exaggerated coiled horns, circular eyes set with cream-coloured beads and shallow semi-circular muzzles; transverse bands of geometric motifs along the neck. 616 grams, 10.4 cm



with a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s. Private collection, London, UK.

The bracelet is a product of the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex ('BMAC', also developed from the 'Oxus Civilisation'), which was the dominant culture in the 3rd and 2nd millennium (often dated to c. 2250-1700 B.C.) in that area, corresponding roughly to modern Tajikistan and Afghanistan. The members of the group practised animal husbandry and a limited form of agriculture, with wheeled carts from the 4th millennium B.C. Its craftsmen were proficient at working metals and alloys, including bronze, copper, silver, and gold. Fortified sites with multiple walls are another notable BMAC development.