Luristan 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.

Comprising a group of mixed beads of various forms and in a variety of mostly natural stones and materials; each pierced for stringing. 134 grams total, 5-28 mm



UK gallery, early 2000s.

Rectangular vellum leaf with liquid gold text and ornament, rectangular grid with liquid gold, red and green ink border, gold text with red diacritics; recto with additional panel of text in liquid gold, yellow, red and blue. 7.4 grams, 25 x 17.5 cm



From an important family collection started in the late 1950s. Property of a West London, UK, gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12280-220413.