Central Asian Ziwiye Turquoise Frit Offering Basket

Comprising a u-section spout and round-section loop handle. 488 grams, 19.3 cm wide



Ex Rabi Gallery, Mayfair, London, UK. Ex private collection.

Featuring curved sides and bottom, scalloped upper edge; median figure in textured hat flanked by two resting camels on a pounced field; applied loop to each upper corner; some old repairs. 90 grams, 17 cm



London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s. with Bonhams, London, Islamic & India Art sale, circa 2015, p.45, lot 55. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.202353.

Ghurid Dynasty metalwork is poorly represented when compared to the architecture of the period, and the majority of surviving pieces are items of jewellery mostly in Russian museum collections. The sculptural nature of the decoration of this repoussé sheet sets it apart from the more usual output of Iran at this time, recalling the fine silversmithing of the Sasanian period.

Wheel-shaped stamp seal; 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. 38 x 37 x 15 mm. This is round, with flat face and flat back, on which is a handle of inverted U-shape. The design, which is compartmented and open-work, consists of a plain outer band, and within it but not touching it is a central rhomb, joined to the outer band by two rough crescent shapes, bulging at the ends, and close to each other in the middle. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is in very good condition save that the outer rim is worn down.' 15 grams, 37 mm



From an important London, UK, collection, 1970s. Accompanied by a scholarly note by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology.