Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0238

Large Bactrian Green Onyx 'Hand-Bag' Weight

CIRCA LATE 3RD-EARLY 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.

14 in. (11.6 kg, 35.5 cm).

Substantial mottled green and tan weight with arched handle; repaired.

Provenance

with Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, Tel Aviv, 1968.
Property of a London gentleman.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12261-218639.

Literature

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 different shapes; for a very similar example cf. Christies, London, 27 July 2020, lot 11 (sold for £25,000.00).

Footnotes

Among the most iconic intercultural style objects are the so-called 'lock' or 'hand bag' weights. These were probably not weights at all, but were likely badges of high office, carried to indicate authority. Similar objects have been found throughout Mesopotamia, the islands of the Persian Gulf, on the Iranian steppe, as well as the Indus Valley.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process


AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0238

Large Bactrian Green Onyx 'Hand-Bag' Weight

Estimate £7,000 - 9,000€8,120 - 10,440 (for guidance only)$9,450 - 12,150 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Phoenician Stone Figure
    Phoenician Stone Figure
    Circa 5th-3rd century B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £520

    Wedge-shaped in section with figure carved in the half-round to one face, warrior with armoured covering to the shoulders and chest, knee-length tunic. 2.65 kg, 23.3 cm



    From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

    Lot Details

  • Western Asiatic Silver Bracelet with Trumpet Terminals
    Western Asiatic Silver Bracelet with Trumpet Terminals
    1st millennium B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £72

    Penannular round-section hoop with opposed clubbed terminals. 20.16 grams, 59 mm



    UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.

    Lot Details

  • Achaemenid Gold Inlaid Lotus Flower Pendant Set
    Achaemenid Gold Inlaid Lotus Flower Pendant Set
    5th-4th century B.C.

    Estimate: £30,000 - 40,000 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £15,000

    Comprising twelve pendants, each formed as an open lotus blossom with the parts of the flower inlaid with different semiprecious stones: the pistil in red carnelian, stamens and the base of the flower in turquoise, and the outer petals in lapis lazuli; accompanied by a custom-made velvet-lined display case. 36.60 grams total, 18-26 mm (case: 1 kg total, 27.5 x 28 cm)



    with a London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s. 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.12170-220647.

    The wealth of the Persian Empire of the Achaemenids was proclaimed by the ancient writers: the Greeks described the fabulous riches known by hearsay to be in the royal treasures, and described the gold furniture, vessels and jewellery often seen during Hellenic contacts with this Eastern Empire. These elegant lotus-shaped pendants with their multicoloured stone inlays give us some idea of the personal ornamentation carried by the aristocratic Persian women.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list