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LOT 1385
Large Sumerian Animal Amulet
3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
2 7/8 in. (62 grams, 74 mm).
Carved bifacial amuletic pendant of an ox with incised detailing, sockets for inlaid eyes, suspension hole at shoulder.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Jemdet Nasr Type Marble Gazelle Seal
Circa 3000 B.C.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £750
Plano-convex in section with ellipsoid body, high-relief legs and reversed head; underside with incuse animal motifs. 11.08 grams, 31 mm
Private collection, acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s; thence by descent. -
Mesopotamian Heavy Silver Bead Necklace
3rd-early 2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £5,000 - 7,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,500
Restrung and comprising mainly spherical, elongated ovals, oblates, and biconical shapes; accompanied by a custom-made lined display box. 224 grams, 56 cm
Numismatic and Ancient Art Gallery AG, Ancient Art of the Mediterranean World, No 8, no.5, c.1982. Taisei Gallery, Gold & Silver Auction, Part II, Ancient to Renaissance, 5 November 1992, The Conrad Salon, The Waldorf-Astoria, New York, no.39. Private collection, London. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13265-253358.
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. -
Sasanian Cut-Glass Vessel
3rd-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £819
With a piriform body with three rows of cut facets or dimples and a slender flared neck. 103 grams, 91 mm
Private collection, 1990s-early 2000s.