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LOT 0261
Large Bactrian Black Chlorite 'Hand Bag' Ceremonial Weight
3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
9 1/2 in. (10 5/8 in.) (4.8 kg total, 24 cm high (27 cm including stand)).
D-shaped in profile with void below the curved edge, obverse with reserved serpents above a frieze of trees; reverse with rearing serpents above geometric panels; mounted on a custom-made stand. [No Reserve]
Provenancewith Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, Tel Aviv, 1968.
Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s.
London, UK, collection.
Accompanied by a copy of an original invoice from Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, 25 December 1968.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.12775-237877.
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.
Cf. 7000 years of Iranian Art, Exhibition catalogue, Smithsonian Institute, 1964, p.54 & p.118, illustration no.11; see Vidale, M., Treasures from the Oxus: The Art and Civilisation of Central Asia, London, 2017, pp.44-51, figs.41-45, for a variety of stones and shapes.
FootnotesThe object could have been carried or swung in ceremonies or processions. This is also suggested by the side in which the snakes overlook buildings of a religious place, which have the clear structure of the Ziggurats, while other sections are representing the doors of a temple.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0261
Large Bactrian Black Chlorite 'Hand Bag' Ceremonial Weight
Sold for (Inc. bp): £49,400
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Western Asiatic Carnelian Bead Necklace
1st millennium B.C. and laterEstimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £167
Composed mainly of biconical and barrel-shaped beads with a biconical banded agate feature bead at the centre; restrung with a modern clasp. 70 grams, 53.5 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 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. -
Bactrian Chlorite Vessel with Opposing Serpents
3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £9,100
With a frieze comprising an eagle with spread wings, two rearing lion-headed serpents above with open jaws; the bodies of the beasts with shallow sockets to accept inserts, some still present. 2.3 kg, 23 cm
with Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, Tel Aviv, 1960s. Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. London, UK, collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.12773-237879. 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 chlorite stone vessels of early Bactria were kidney-shaped vessels with simple geometric decoration often representing snakes and other animals. Small cylindrical vases were used as cosmetic containers, together with chlorite cosmetic flasks. Interestingly the eyes and the bodies of the animals were destined to receive inlay, as can be seen on our specimen where some are still in situ. -
Western Asiatic Terracotta Cuneiform Tablet
2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Pillow-shaped with columnar ribbing to the broad faces, dense cuneiform text in the columns. 57.2 grams, 63 mm
Private collection of Mr K., Maryland, USA. Private collection, Switzerland, acquired in 2000. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12893-241757. 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.
