Judaean Stone Shekel Weight

Of square form, the central stone flanked by teardrop-shaped stone at each corner, with round stones to interstices, all with raised settings with braided borders; the reverse with two rows of pierced spheres, each end with an applied sphere. 4.06 grams, 24.66 mm



From a private family collection formed in the 1970s.

Hollow-formed head of a bull with short curved horns, large bulbous eyes, lateral scooped ears, short muzzle with flared nostrils, dewlap beneath; possibly from a rhyton; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 1.3 kg total, 22 cm high including stand

Excellent condition, very rare.

Acquired between 1980-1983. From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman. 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.12019-213616.

The rhyton was dipped into a krater and held above the drinker's mouth with the spout covered by a thumb, then opened to release a stream of wine into the mouth. The bull was a symbol of man’s control over the nature. Not only were these heads used to serve wine in the banquets, but they were also destined to hold blood from sacrificial animals, that was collected and then poured on the ground as a libation.

Hexagonal in section with pointed ends, one face ribbed with pierced lugs, one with scrolled tendrils, one with wing and rosettes, three with calligraphic text. 33 grams, 50 mm



Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971.