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LOT 0204
Hittite Limestone Altar
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
10 3/8 in. (3.5 kg, 26.3 cm wide).
Carved from a limestone block with three trapezoidal stub legs, horizontal dished centre with notched edge to the raised rim and U-section pouring lip; panel of geometric linear ornament to the outer face of the body and legs; integral T-shaped reinforcing arms to underside.
ProvenancePrivate collection, Israel.
with Archaeological Centre, Auction 59, no.433.
Accompanied by a copy of the Archaeological Centre online catalogue page.
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.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0204
Hittite Limestone Altar
Estimate £800 - 1,000€930 - 1,160 (for guidance only)$1,080 - 1,350 (for guidance only)
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Western Asiatic Bronze Pendant Idol
2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Formed as a disc with ring-and-dot to one face, narrow neck, lobe above with pierced lug to reverse. 5.45 grams, 50 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. 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. -
Western Asiatic Terracotta Fertility Figure
4th-3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
Modelled in the round with flared base, lightly modelled facial features, breasts and folds to the abdomen; head chipped. 156 grams, 94 mm
From the collection of Mr S.M., London, UK, 1990s. 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. -
Early Dynastic Lapis Lazuli Cylinder Seal
Circa 2550-2400 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,210
Engraved with a religious scene comprising a seated king on a throne-shaped chair, holding a cup and wearing a long garment; standing worshipper or priest before him; before them, a nude hero and a bull-man presented in a contest scene. 4.75 grams, 23 mm
From the 'S' collection, acquired 1970-1990s. The collection was seen and studied by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993. Accompanied by a copy of a report from Assyriologist Hui Li. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12558-231428. 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.
The clearly engraved facial features, the almond-shaped eyes, pointed noses, and abstract outlines shaping the bodies, attest to the iconic glyptic practices of the late Early Dynastic Period. The cup held by the king, containing holy ointment or oil, might have been used as an emblem to signify the elevated rank of a deified king. It may have also been used an alternative religious practice, connecting the secular authority and the divine power during the Early Dynastic Period.
