Large Western Asiatic Gold Hoop Earrings

Comprising two seal matrices: one with a slender looped shank, intaglio design of a standing stylised bird next to a frond, a smaller bird above; the other with a balustered shank, intaglio design of a standing woman wearing a long robe, remains of inscription(?) in front. 24.4 grams total, 29 mm each



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

Comprising: one with spiralling plaque and pellets to loops on the outer perimeter; one with openwork geometric design composed of central cross and circle in each quarter, embellished with pellets and loops to perimeter; one with a central cross and four loops to the outer edge. 55.1 grams total, 54-69 mm



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

Modelled in the round, with humped shoulder and downturned horns. 60 grams, 83 mm



Private collection Mr S.A., acquired in 1991. Thence by descent.

The figurine was modelled simplistically and only the presence of a hump and horns makes it possible to identify the animal as a zebu, which was common in the prehistoric Mesopotamian world. Similar figurines, which reproduced animals and humans, are typical of Amorite art, named after a group of semi-nomadic populations who lived in the north-western part of the Near East in the 3rd and 2nd millennium B.C. From the 20th century B.C., the incursions and armed pressure that the Amorites exerted on the kingdom of Ur overthrew the existing dynasties and created several kingdoms throughout Mesopotamia whose dynasties retained a strong attachment to their original culture.