Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1123
Mesopotamian Alabaster Lenticular Necklace Bead Group
CIRCA 3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
1/8 - 3/8 in. (53 grams total, 3-10 cm).
Comprising a quantity of disc-shaped beads, each pierced for stringing. [No Reserve]
Provenance
UK gallery, early 2000s.
Literature
Cf. Golani, A., Jewelry from the Iron Age II Levant, Zurich, 2013, fig.30.3, for similar beads
Footnotes
While slaves and the poorest people wore simple, functional clothes, the wealthiest classes of Mesopotamia could afford beautifully made jewellery. The royal tombs from Sumeria dating from around 2500 B.C. included an abundance of beaded necklaces, rings, bracelets for the wrist and ankles, stickpins, and other jewellery, made of gold and silver set with decorative gemstones such as deep blue lapis lazuli, red carnelian, white alabaster, and sparkling crystals. In the Lugale-Mythos the Alabaster is personified like a hero: ‘(And) the hero Alabaster, these heroes plundered the cities for him (= Asag)’. The hematite and the limestone/alabaster, two stones with a light and dark base colour, were used as aids in a divinatory ritual in which they were probably connected with the favourable and unfavourable answers to oracle inquiries.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Large North West Iranian Spouted Vessel
Circa 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £176
Globular in profile with incised horizontal rings to shoulder and neck, carinated rim, strap handle and short spout with curved reinforcing strap; traces of pigment to shoulder. 3.2 kg, 31.5 cm high
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Luristan Bronze Spouted Vessel with Attacking Bulls
Late 2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £650
Composed of a squat body, stepped shoulder, broad rim and U-section spout, the body displaying a frieze of repoussé fighting bulls, their heads lowered and horns interlocking beneath the spout. 496 grams, 19 cm wide
Fine condition.
Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11352-191889. -
Sumerian Stone Janiform Torso
Circa 2500 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
Comprising the upper body of a nude male and a female worshipper; the male with his hands clasped across the chest; the female with her hands clasped on her stomach; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 806 grams total, 10.1 cm high (15.5 cm high including stand)
By repute from an old collection. Acquired on the US art market, circa 2004. Private collection since 2004. Accompanied by a copy of an Israeli export permit. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12083-214173.
