Mesopotamian Cuneiform Envelope Fragment Group

Plano-convex in section with incuse design to underside of a crowned figure and worshippers. 15.4 grams, 32 mm



From the London collection of the late Mr S.M., 1969-1999.

Matched pair of bovine-head mounts, each formed as a pair of D-shaped wings and a tail with low-relief feather detailing and holes to accept rivets; central head and neck of a bull with prominent horns, bands of curly hair to the pate and throat, large scaphoid eyes, incised contour detailing to muzzle, socket to reverse. 790 grams total, 8-13 cm wide



From the warehouse of Lane Hope Ltd, London, UK, 1980s (company dissolved December 1991). Private collection, UK; anonymous sale, Gorny & Mosch, Munich, Auction 206, 20 June 2012, no.85. European private collection, acquired at Gorny & Mosch, 2012. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate, no.6210.AM. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Gorny & Mosch catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12696-234610.

The fitting would have been one of four to the rim of a large bronze cauldron. Urartu was centered in eastern Anatolia, around Lake Van; the capital, Tushpa, was located on the eastern shore of the lake, situated on a high and elongated rock outcrop. Most sites boasted a well-built temple situated at the highest point, as well as a number of large storage rooms containing rows of large vessels for storing oil and grains, and massive well-built fortification walls.

Discoid in plan with lug to upper face and suspension loop; underside with incuse pellets to the rim surrounding a tondo with two lines of incised text. 10.77 grams, 24 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12717-233043.