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LOT 1349
Early Bronze Age Silver Idol
CIRCA 2400-2100 B.C.
2 1/2 in. (5.34 grams, 62 mm).
Violin-shaped with round body, long neck and stylised head, symbolising a female body, perforated with two holes at the top representing the eyes, embossed with dots around the perimeter.
ProvenanceFrom a private family collection formed since the early 19th century, thence by descent.
Property of a New Zealand legal professional.
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.12321-223719.
Cf. for similar idols but in stone and clay, Bilgi, Ö., Anthropomorphic Representations in Anatolia before the Classical Age, Istanbul, 2014, figs. 792-800; for metallic idols of very similar (although not completely identical) shape cf. Zimmermann, T., ‘Anatolia and the Balkans, once again, ring-shaped idols from Western Asia and a critical reassessment of some ‘Early Bronze Age items from Ikiztepe, Turkey’ in Oxford Journal of Archaeology, January, 2007, pp.25-32; Atakuman, Ç., ‘Figurines of the Anatolian Early Bronze Age: the assemblage from Koçumbeli-Ankara’ in Anatolian Studies, 67, 2017, pp.85-108.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Collection
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Including large tanged, barbed, sword-shaped and other types. 222 grams total, 9.5-18.2 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. -
Western Asiatic Terracotta Zoomorphic Vessel with Glass Inlays
8th-9th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Broad and squat with flared foot, loop handle, all U-section spout and strainer; raised bosses to shoulder each set with a glass inlay; reserved tendrils and flowers on a black field. 717 grams, 31.5 cm
UK collection, 1990s. Acquired on the UK art market, before 2000. Private collection, Mr M.V., a London-based businessman. -
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Elamite Bronze Spouted Vessel with Floral Design
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £900
With a hollow-formed biconvex body, tiered rim and short straight spout, repoussé octofoil motifs to the shoulder, trumpet-shaped stepped base. 349 grams, 16 cm
Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s. Private collection, London. 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.13027-246802.
The Elamite culture was an important civilisation in the ancient Near East that lasted for many centuries, from the 3rd millennium to the 6th century BC. They developed their own style of art, metalwork, and seal designs, as well as their own form of cuneiform writing. Although the Elamites were eventually absorbed into later empires, many aspects of their culture continued to influence the ancient world around them.
