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LOT 1572
Mesopotamian Bronze Socketted Axehead
3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
4 5/8 in. (320 grams, 11.7 cm).
Comprising a tubular socket and a slender triangular blade.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
LiteratureFor a similar example see Gorelik, M., Weapons of Ancient East, IV millennium BC-IV century BC, Saint Petersburg (2003), pl.XIX, no.15, from Mesopotamia.
FootnotesSimilar axe is represented in hands of Akkadian warriors on the Stele of Victory of Naram-Sim, at the Louvre, dated at 23rd century B.C. It was a typology used by Sumerian and Akkadian warriors.
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Western Asiatic Ceramic Zoomorphic Vessel
8th-9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Comprising four conical legs supporting a double globular body with conical neck and ram's head, spout to the rear with strainer connected by a bridging loop; applied painted hatched spiral detailing; old label to the underside: 'YAZDANI 211C LONDON'. 1.06 kg, 19.5 cm
UK collection, 1990s. Acquired on the UK art market, before 2000. Private collection, Mr M.V., a London-based businessman. -
Kassite Agate Eye Bead with Cuneiform Inscription for King Kurigalzu II in Gold Mount
1400-1000 B.C.Estimate: £80,000 - 100,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £40,000
Polished cabochon in a gold frame with radiating bosses, integral loop; reverse with four incised columns of cuneiform text naming Kurigalzu II. 18.30 grams, 42 mm
Private collection, Mrs M.V., circa 1980s. Kept in Switzerland since the late 1980s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13202-249238.
The cuneiform inscription names Kurigalzu II (c.1332-1308 B.C.), 'strong man, King of Babylon, son of Burnaburiaš.' Kurigalzu II was one of the most powerful Kassite rulers, known for his military campaigns and extensive building projects, including the foundation of the city of Dur-Kurigalzu. Inscribed Kassite agate eye beads are rare and are generally understood to have served amuletic or votive functions, combining royal titulary with protective symbolism. -
Western Asiatic Terracotta Jug
Early Bronze Age, 3200-2500 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Bulbous body with flattened base and tubular neck, strap handle with piecrust decoration. 192 grams, 10 cm wide
Acquired from Ancient Art, London, UK. From the collection of a Nottingham, UK, collector, established from the early 2000s.
