Luristan Bronze Animal

With flanged rim, central mesomphalos boss surrounded by radiating lotus petals. 167 grams, 16.5 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Phiale mesomphalos (literally: bowl with central boss) were the most popular form of vessel and were produced in a number of materials, including clay, bronze, silver and gold. They are a distinctive type of Achaemenid tableware, made by hammering or raising sheet metal, with decoration added in repoussé. They were used in banquets held by the nobility and for pouring libations at religious festivals. Phiales of this kind were a common gift from the Achaemenid king to the nobility which helped cement alliances among the different tribes of the Empire. The central boss to the underside allowed the user to secure their fingers and ensure a solid grip whilst drinking or pouring.

Cylinder with cord and bead handles; accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Cylinder seal of fossil shell. 28 x 16 mm., condition good. Contest scene: standing hero succours reared up domestic animal on either side as they are attacked by lions, a second hero pulls the tail of the right-hand lion from behind; terminal scorpion below double line. This well known type of Sumerian seal occurs at the very end of the Early Dynastic periods, and on into the beginning of the Akkad dynasty. The scene involves divine heroes, and it was hoped that in actual life such figures would save domestic herds from attacks of lions.'; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 14.9 grams total, 8.1-27.78 mm



UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in August 1990. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Plano-convex in section with ribbed obverse, hooked beak, drilled suspension holes; drilled pattern to reverse. 17.8 grams, 41 mm



Acquired 1979-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.