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LOT 1303
Luristan Bronze Socketted Axehead
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
4 7/8 in. (422 grams, 12.5 cm).
With convex cutting edge and round socket with three vertical ribs.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
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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Western Asiatic Stone Scaraboid Seal with King and Inscription
1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
Plano-convex in profile with median figure flanked by two columns of text. 3.02 grams, 16 mm
From the London collection of the late Mr S.M., 1969-1999. -
Western Asiatic Chalcedony Gaming Piece
3rd-5th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Square in plan and plano-convex in section with tessellated triangles on the dome, horizontal grooves at the sides, incuse octofoil to the underside. 39.7 grams, 31 mm
Ex Mayfair, London, UK, collection, 1980s. -
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Achaemenid Silver Phiale with Central Rosette
5th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,705
Squat lotiform bowl with wide everted rim, central domed mesomphalos with rosette detailing, some restoration to the rim; with custom-made box. 240 grams, 13.7 cm wide
Ex London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s. Private collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13067-248447.
This bowl is possibly part of a set of nearly identical vessels, probably used at the table of a high-status household, potentially that of a satrap. Persian governors (satrapes) used banquets to display their wealth and power by imitating royal banquets. It was a great honour for them to receive a drinking vessel such as this as a gift from the King of the Kings, thereby establishing their status as royal dinner guests. No doubt it took practice to drink adeptly from a vessel like this, yet the omphalos in the base would have made it easier to hold with one hand, with the middle finger hooked inside the indentation and the thumb stretched out to grip the vessel at or near the rim.
