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LOT 0221
Early Proto-Elamite Silver Horned Bull Pendant
3100-2900 B.C.
2 3/4 in. (54.5 grams, 70 mm wide).
Representing an exquisite bull figure standing with his head turned dramatically to the left, depicted with large curled horns and inlaid white stone eyes, formed from thin hammered silver sheet in repoussé, depicting the bull as a hollow pendant, with the interior filled with natural bitumen; traces of an original suspension loop on the shoulder.
Provenancewith Mahboubian Gallery, New York, acquired prior to 1969.
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.13140-249434.
See Aruz, J. (ed), Art of the First Cities: The Third Millennium BC from the Mediterranean to the Indus, New York, 2003, items 42, 249. 314; Mahboubian, H., Art of Ancient Iran, London, 1997, figs.1-2, pp.36.
FootnotesObjects of this type are understood to be ritual or votive pendants, produced not for everyday wear but primarily for dedication in temple contexts. Bulls, goats, rams and other herd animals with horns were thematically abundant in the Ancient Near East, especially around the Iranian plateau circumscribed by the Zagros and Elbruz Mountains and multiple deserts. There are representations of bulls as pendants or votive statuettes (Mahboubian,1997, pp.59, 213, 224, 225, 225, 235, 240), vessel stands (Mahboubian, 1997, pp.40-41), vessel protomes and rhytons from Mesopotamia to Caucasus.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0221
Early Proto-Elamite Silver Horned Bull Pendant
Estimate £20,000 - 30,000€23,200 - 34,800 (for guidance only)$27,000 - 40,500 (for guidance only)
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Central Asian Bronze Stamp Seal with Stylised Four-Winged God
Circa 2300-2000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Formed as three vertical bars joined near the base; 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 54 x 48 x 26mm This bears the shape of the design, with flat face and flat back, on which is mounted a handle of angular shape with rounded top. The piece has roughly three parallel vertical segments, which join in the middle, the whole being surrounded by a rim. Each segment has a row of dots in it: four in the two outer segments, six in the middle one, which is longer. This comes from western central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is extremely rare for its design, which may be understood as a stylized depiction of a standing four-winged god, but this is not completely certain.The piece is generally in good condition, but is a little bent.' 25 grams, 53 mm
Ex S collection, deceased, London, UK, 1990s. Accompanied by an original scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert. -
Persian Painted Miniature Leaf
Late 19th-early 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Rectangular leaf with painted and inked image of a bearded man crouching beneath a bush and holding his brow while looking at a book; concentric panels to the reveal and mottled decoration. 48 grams, 30.2 x 24 cm
Private collection, UK. -
Large Western Asiatic Stone Macehead
3rd-2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Carved as a sphere and polished, with tapering vertical socket. 1.34 kg, 10 cm
Private collection, UK.
