Eastern Mediterranean Terracotta Vessel

Each a profile ibex with head reversed, horn returned to attach at the neck, pellet eye, beaded ring-and-dot motif to the shoulder and hip; thick attachment loop to the reverse. 15.6 grams total, 34-34.2 mm



Acquired in the 1980s. Private collection, London, UK. 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.13253-252971.

It is possible to hypothesise that these two elements were bridle plaques, like the two wolf-shaped bridle plaques, in a similar position and style, found in the Kurgan of Pazyrik (Piotrowskij, 1987, p.107, no.137). Belt plaques with zoomorphic motifs illustrate not only the recognised unity of the zoomorphic art of the Steppes, but also the links between the Scythians and the eastern nomadic groups.

Sub-rectangular flat panel with attachment loop to reverse; openwork design comprising two D-shaped panels, each with voids to the centre extending to two addorsed long-necked beasts with incised outline, eye and mouth detailing. 170 grams, 13.4 cm



Private European collection, 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.

A matched pair with crescentic body, curved catch to one arm and remains of coiled spring to the other; domed studs attached to the arch through prepared holes. 108 grams total, 76 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.