Hittite Limestone Altar

Modelled in the round standing facing, the rider gripping the animal with his thighs and by its ears, stylised detailing to both figures in the form of applied circular eyes and pricked headbands, the rider wearing a conical cap; mounted on a substantial cylindrical perspex display base. 676 grams total, 20 cm high including stand



Collected from 1979-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK. From the Moussieff salon cabinet display. From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent.

With a hollow-formed biconvex body, tiered rim and short straight spout, repoussé octofoil motifs to the shoulder, trumpet-shaped stepped base. 349 grams, 16 cm



Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s. Private collection, London. 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.13027-246802.

The Elamite culture was an important civilisation in the ancient Near East that lasted for many centuries, from the 3rd millennium to the 6th century BC. They developed their own style of art, metalwork, and seal designs, as well as their own form of cuneiform writing. Although the Elamites were eventually absorbed into later empires, many aspects of their culture continued to influence the ancient world around them.

Discoid stamp seal with segmented face; 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. 39x39x12 mm. This is round with flat compartmented face and flat back on which is mounted a broad handle of inverted U-shape. The design consists of a central circle from which eight curving bands spread to the edge, creating a whorl, the bands being hatched. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is in very good condition and the hatching on the base of the compartments is unusual.' 24.5 grams, 39 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s.