Mesopotamian Calcite Jar

Comprising a large circular finial with symmetrical repoussé design and a long tapering shank; the finial with a large central head with hatched hair and beard, possibly representing a mask of a deity; two addorsed ibexes below, each with a rosette above and foliage in front; at the top, two rampant lions flanking the 'Master of Animals' motif; the motif with pricked ears and wearing a two-tiered headpiece, a pair of zoomorphic figure emerging from his cheeks and grasp onto the flanking lions; mounted on a custom-made fabric-covered backing. 228 grams total, 43 cm long



Ex Rabi Gallery 1980-1990. From an important London, UK, collection.

Tubular in form with large hatched panel above and frieze of standing beasts below; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.57 grams, 16 mm



Ex S collection, London, UK, 1980-1990.

With a keeled hoop and openwork shield-shaped shoulder with scroll ornament, a diamond-shaped shield with a cross to the base of the hoop; large bezel with an applied stylised bird underneath, the sides with pellet ornament in three rows, four claws holding the 4th-5th century Sassanian intaglio depicting a boar devouring the leg of its prey. 8.63 grams, 25.72 mm overall, 18.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)



Private collection, USA, acquired in the 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a previous cataloguing information page.

It was a fairly common practice to re-use Sassanian intaglios in Islamic rings from Iran. In Eastern cultures the boar was a sacred animal with magical powers.