Elamite Bronze Pin with Female Figure

With a rounded body and carinated shoulder, everted rim and low circular foot. 405 grams, 14 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

With flanged rim, central mesomphalos boss surrounded by radiating lotus petals. 167 grams, 16.5 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Phiale mesomphalos (literally: bowl with central boss) were the most popular form of vessel and were produced in a number of materials, including clay, bronze, silver and gold. They are a distinctive type of Achaemenid tableware, made by hammering or raising sheet metal, with decoration added in repoussé. They were used in banquets held by the nobility and for pouring libations at religious festivals. Phiales of this kind were a common gift from the Achaemenid king to the nobility which helped cement alliances among the different tribes of the Empire. The central boss to the underside allowed the user to secure their fingers and ensure a solid grip whilst drinking or pouring.

Thimble-shaped seal with engraved imagery; 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 Chalcedony 19.5 x 20 x 27 mm. This is a conoid with nearly round slightly convex face, pierced diagonally. The design shows the Achaemenid Persian king in tunic and Persian 'trousers' gripping in each hand the horn of a rearing antelope or similar animal which turns its head backwards. The king wears a crown. This is an Achaemenid Persian seal, c.500-350 B.C., from some part of the Persian empire. It is in a distinctive style, but so fare [sic] there has not been enough study to say exactly where this was made. The scene symbolises the Persian king's victories over his enemies. The seal is a little chipped, but generally in good condition'; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 14.7 grams, 26.64 mm



Ex Dr Elie Browski. with Christie's, London, 13 June 2000, no.609 [Part]. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in July 2000. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.