Luristan Terracotta Vessel with Bird Face

Comprising a slender bronze hoop expanding at the shoulders, silver intaglio with an inscription in three lines. 1.56 grams, 17.76 mm overall, 15.90 mm internal diameter (approximate size British D, USA 1 3/4, Europe 1.15, Japan 1)



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

With frieze depicting a worshipper and a goddess both facing an enthroned king holding a cup in one hand, sun-disc and crescent above; the king wearing a cap and tiered robe, the throne raised on a dais and covered with a fringed cloth; the worshipper youthful with hands clasped before his chest, wearing a floor-length garment over his shoulder; the goddess wearing a tiered headdress and flounced floor-length robe, with hands raised in salutation; two pairs of smaller figures, one with a toothed weapon; column of cuneiform text reading 'ᵈNin-subur, sukkal an-na' ('Ninshubur, the approved vizier', or 'heavenly vizier'); supplied with a museum-quality impression. 17 grams, 26 mm



From an important London, UK, collection, 1980-1990s. Accompanied by a previous two page illustrated catalogue report. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12249-222296.

With small wings and curved horns; possibly Kushan. 160 grams, 11.8 cm

Fair condition, one wing chipped.

London collection since the 1980s. Property of a Canadian family.