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LOT 0188
Central Asian Silver-Gilt Zoomorphic Belt Plaque with Attack Scene
2ND-1ST CENTURY B.C.
2 5/8 in. (48 grams, 6.6 cm).
Comprising an openwork design displaying a feline attacking a horse within an ovolo border; the feline pouncing on the horse's back with its jaws sunk into its neck, bringing the horse to the ground; a tang to forward edge.
ProvenanceEx Soufi family collection, circa 1950.
with Christie's, London, 13 October 2008, lot 32.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's catalogue page.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11746-202177.
Cf. Altheim, F., Die Krise der Alten Welt, im 3. Jahrhundert n.Zw. und ihre Ursachen, Berlin-Dahlem, 1943, pls.51-53, for similar plaques; Rawson, J., Bunker, E., Ancient Chinese and Ordos Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1990, pp.350-351, no.228.
FootnotesThe nomadic style was expressed in the openwork and embossed bronze plates that served as belt buckles and plaques. The 'Ordos bronzes' furthermore consisted mostly of decorative plaques which were sewn onto garments and horses' bridles, the favourite motif being animal combat.
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LOT 0188
Central Asian Silver-Gilt Zoomorphic Belt Plaque with Attack Scene
Estimate £7,000 - 9,000€8,120 - 10,440 (for guidance only)$9,450 - 12,150 (for guidance only)
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Western Asiatic Miniature Bronze Pazuzu Head
8th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Formed with a long neck and grotesque facial features in relief. 3.04 grams, 19 mm
Ex private collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s. -
Central Asian Silver-Gilt Zoomorphic Belt Plaque with Attack Scene
2nd-1st century B.C.Estimate: £7,000 - 9,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £3,500
Comprising an openwork design displaying a feline attacking a horse within an ovolo border; the feline pouncing on the horse's back with its jaws sunk into its neck, bringing the horse to the ground; a tang to forward edge. 48 grams, 6.6 cm
Ex Soufi family collection, circa 1950. with Christie's, London, 13 October 2008, lot 32. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's catalogue page. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11746-202177.
The nomadic style was expressed in the openwork and embossed bronze plates that served as belt buckles and plaques. The 'Ordos bronzes' furthermore consisted mostly of decorative plaques which were sewn onto garments and horses' bridles, the favourite motif being animal combat. -
Uruk Pictographic Economic Clay Tablet Relating to Cattle
Circa 3000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,680
Bearing pictographs to the two principal faces; of pillow-shaped form. 112 grams, 89 mm
Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992. Thence by descent to family members. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.201149.
The purpose of these items is not known for sure but the combination of pictograms and impressed points has led to the suggestion that they were used for tallying quantities of various commodities.
