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LOT 0251
Graeco-Parthian Grey Chalcedony Stamp Seal with Winged Sphinx
CIRCA 2ND CENTURY B.C.
3/4 in. (4.13 grams, 20 mm).
Scaraboid stamp seal with winged sphinx design, pierced horizontally for suspension. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAnonymous sale; with Christie's, New York, 13 June 2000, no.517 (part).
From the 'Empire' collection, an important UK private collection of seals.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0251
Graeco-Parthian Grey Chalcedony Stamp Seal with Winged Sphinx
Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
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Western Asiatic Gold Pendant with Banded Agate Bead
8th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Comprising a barrel-shaped banded agate bead suspended vertically with a loop and collar above; a gold fusiform pendant below. 1.05 grams, 23 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
The pendant structure shows affinities with three beads of a necklace from Kition (MLA 1742/34, 6, 7) made of high carat gold-alloy, and obtained by joining two hemispheres, each one embossed out of thick plate. The upper hemisphere is pierced at the top, where a small round suspension loop is inserted and fused. -
Qajar Period Decorated Bowl
19th century A.D.Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £60
Spun bronze bowl with everted rim, dense low-relief decoration of tendrils and interlace with quatrefoil panels each with a kneeling figure. 195 grams, 11.9 cm wide
Acquired by the vendor's father on the UK art market, before 1990. -
Western Asiatic Gold Ring with Boar Gemstone
14th century A.D. and earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
With a keeled hoop and openwork shield-shaped shoulder with scroll ornament, a diamond-shaped shield with a cross to the base of the hoop; large bezel with an applied stylised bird underneath, the sides with pellet ornament in three rows, four claws holding the 4th-5th century Sassanian intaglio depicting a boar devouring the leg of its prey. 8.63 grams, 25.72 mm overall, 18.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)
Private collection, USA, acquired in the 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a previous cataloguing information page.
It was a fairly common practice to re-use Sassanian intaglios in Islamic rings from Iran. In Eastern cultures the boar was a sacred animal with magical powers.
