Large Luristan Terracotta Storage Vessel

Comprising a cross-shaped body with a small loop on the reverse, 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, 39 x 38 x 12 mm. This bears the shape of the design, with flat compartmented face and flat back on which is mounted a loop handle for suspension. The design is a quadrate cross with small square in the middle, and to the end of each arm is added a rough oblong shape. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is generally in good condition, only the handle is worn and the outer edges are also a little worn in two places.' 17.1 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. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly report, numbered U-388, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert.

Comprising tubular, barrel-shaped, oblate and other types. 55 grams total, 4-38 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Drum-shaped steatite vessel with broad flat rim; low-relief frieze to the outer face: dense vegetation panels with hatched treetrunks and fronds, resting quadrupeds, each with the legs folded beneath the body. 5.3 kg, 24.5 cm wide



Acquired by a Swiss family in the mid-1980s to late 1990s, thence by descent. Private collection, Switzerland, since the late 1990s. 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.13026-246787.

In Mesopotamia ancient stone-carvers produced a variety of vessels from soft soapstone (steatite) and pale yellow alabaster, along with jewellery. They include cylindrical boxes, cups, high open-rim vases and a few globular jars. Among it the most prominent products were the cups with tall, slender stalks, apparently intended for religious purposes. The repertoire of motifs of the ‘Intercultural Style’ includes vegetal, architectural, and abstract or naturalistic representations of people and animals, depicted in a carved and inlaid technique.