Loading, please wait...
LOT 1223
Bactrian Style Lapis Lazuli Bead Necklace
20TH CENTURY A.D.
35 3/4 in. (47 grams, 91 cm long).
Mainly square-section and tubular types. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
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.
-
Mesopotamian Alabaster Lenticular Necklace Bead Group
Circa 3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Comprising a quantity of disc-shaped beads, each pierced for stringing. 53 grams total, 3-10 cm
UK gallery, early 2000s.
While slaves and the poorest people wore simple, functional clothes, the wealthiest classes of Mesopotamia could afford beautifully made jewellery. The royal tombs from Sumeria dating from around 2500 B.C. included an abundance of beaded necklaces, rings, bracelets for the wrist and ankles, stickpins, and other jewellery, made of gold and silver set with decorative gemstones such as deep blue lapis lazuli, red carnelian, white alabaster, and sparkling crystals. In the Lugale-Mythos the Alabaster is personified like a hero: ‘(And) the hero Alabaster, these heroes plundered the cities for him (= Asag)’. The hematite and the limestone/alabaster, two stones with a light and dark base colour, were used as aids in a divinatory ritual in which they were probably connected with the favourable and unfavourable answers to oracle inquiries. -
Western Asiatic Mixed Agate and Carnelian Bead Group
1st millennium B.C. and laterEstimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Mainly bicones, oblates, rounded and barrel shapes. 272 grams total, 7-28 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Mesopotamian Cylinder Seal with Hunting Scene
Circa 1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
With intaglio hunting scene depicting dense vegetation and a huntsman; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.47 grams, 23 mm
From an important Mayfair collection, 1970-1999; thence by descent. Accompanied by a previous catalogue information slip.