Gandharan Terracotta Head Fragment

Zoomorphic stamp seal with loop handle to the reverse; 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 38x38x12 mm. This bears the shape of the object depicted, with flat face and flat back, on which is mounted a handle of sheet metal with thickened edges. The design, which is compartmented, shows a standing quadruped with big snout and long tail hanging down the back. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. The upper part is bent back and is a little damaged, but generally this is in good condition and is a rare type. The metal is sound.' 26 grams, 41 mm



Ex Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection number U-17, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s.

In a rectangular white card reveal with ellipsoid opening, hand-painted watercolour scene depicting a noblewoman in a garden, resting against a large decorated pillow, wearing a transparent shawl with floral detailing over a lavender-coloured robe, sitar and water vessel beside her and two red pillows on a decorated yellow mat with flowers and tendrils; fences in foreground and behind the figure, and willow tree beyond; liquid gold detailing to the shawl, sitar and vessel. 152 grams, 31 x 25.2 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. Scottish private collection.

Composed of polished carnelian beads including spherical, conical, drum, oval and other types, etched with geometric designs. 41 grams total, 6-14 mm



UK gallery, early 2000s.