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LOT 1288
Mesopotamian Chalcedony Sheep's Head Amulet
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
1 1/4 in. (16.2 grams, 33 mm).
Finely carved bifacial sheep head with large lentoid eyes and wide mouth, pierced for suspension, two additional piercings to the top.
ProvenancePreviously with a London, UK, dealership.
Ex London, UK, art market, late 1990s.
From a private UK collection.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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AUCTIONS:
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Early Bronze Age Silver Idol
Circa 2400-2100 B.C.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Of unusual double pelta type, symbolising a female human body, embossed dots to the perimeter and two holes to the centre. 17.88 grams, 64 mm
From a private family collection formed since the early 19th century, thence by descent. Property of a New Zealand legal professional. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12318-223718. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Western Asiatic Bichrome Terracotta Jug
8th-9th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Biconvex in profile with flared mouth and ribbed loop handle; reserved discs and scrolls on a black field. 365 grams, 11.4 cm
UK collection, 1990s. Acquired on the UK art market, before 2000. Private collection, Mr M.V., a London-based businessman. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Old Babylonian Terracotta Head of a Demon
1900-1800 B.C.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Modelled in the round depicting the (severed?) head of the Mesopotamian demon Humbaba, with iconic facial features in relief; hollow with vent to the neck; produced from a two-piece mould, with median seam through the facial features. 191 grams, 87 mm
Private collection, Israel. with Holy Land House of Antiquities, Jerusalem, 1980s. Acquired by the current owner from the above, 2001. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12878-241678. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Within traditional Mesopotamian religion, Humbaba was a creature regarded as Guardian of the Cedar forest and the brother of Pazuzu. He was represented as a giant who had been raised by the sun god, Shamash.