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Details
LOT 0255
Large Bactrian Black Chlorite 'Hand Bag' Ceremonial Weight
3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
10 3/8 in. (3.81 kg, 26.2 cm).
D-shaped in profile with a round-section loop and incuse sockets to accept inlay in contrasting colours (mostly absent); obverse with a reserved scene of two opposed human-headed scorpions with ribbed detailing advancing below two smaller scorpions placed perpendicular to them; reverse with a median eagle with wings extended and feather detailing, flanked by rearing serpents and other animals.
Provenance
Acquired before 1983.
Ex London gallery, 1990s.
Private collection, London, UK.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13285-253383.
Literature
Cf. Various, 7000 Years of Iranian Art, Exhibition catalogue, Smithsonian Institute, 1964, p.54 & p.118, illustration no.11.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0255
Large Bactrian Black Chlorite 'Hand Bag' Ceremonial Weight
Estimate £15,000 - 20,000€17,350 - 23,140 (for guidance only)$20,090 - 26,790 (for guidance only)
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The Sumerian word for silver is kú-babbar, which means ‘white metal’. Silver was mined from ores that contained significant amounts of other metals and impurities and therefore requires a great deal of further processing before it can be used. It was considered sacred and immutable, and an extremely high-status material, used for royal jewellery.
