Late Achaemenid Bronze Phiale Mesomphalos

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.

With design in two registers framed by three bands of parallel horizontal lines; upper register, undulating bands; lower register, bird with wings spread flanked by addorsed ibexes; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 43 grams, 51 mm



Ex S. collection, London, UK, 1980s-2000s.

With suspension loop, rectangular-section shank, recurved lower body with ribbed cross-section, acorn finial. 61 grams, 10.9 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.