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LOT 1244
Mesopotamian Cuneiform Tablet Fragment
EARLY 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
2 1/8 in. (47 grams, 53 mm).
Bifacial, pillow-shaped with cuneiform text to one face and one edge; one corner absent. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceSpecialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992.
Thence by descent to family members.
Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
This small collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.
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.
Cf. cuneiform text tablet now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, under accession no.86.11.282.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Large South Arabian Alabaster Standing Figure of a Goddess
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £54,600
Modelled in the round figure of a standing deity with textural detailing to the hair, naïve facial features with exaggerated eyes to accept inserts (absent) and slit mouth, gripping hands held out at the chest and one pierced to accept an attribute, knee-length garment, collar or necklace below the throat; mounted on a custom-made stand. 15.55 kg total, 47.5 cm high including stand
Ex Hans G. collection, Belgium, 1967-1983. Belgian art market, 1983. Private German collection of Mrs H., 1985-1993. with Pierre Bergé & Associés, Paris, 26 November 2013, no.198 (€40,000-45,000). Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Pierre Bergé & Associés printed catalogue pages (double page spread). Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00119290. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12468-230327. 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.
Similar free-standing statues have been found in the royal cemetery in Aswan (probably Khazinet ed-Darb in the Wādī Markha), and at Hayd ibn Aqil (Timna), in Yemen. They are mainly statuettes from the Yemeni kingdoms of Awsan and Qataban, which developed in the Beihan Valley. They represent rulers or important dignitaries of both reigns. The statue is remarkable for the detailed treatment of the facial features, hair and dress: the woman is portrayed wearing a long plain dress, similar to the modern futah of Yemenite people. The eyes were originally inlaid with shell set with polished obsidian pupils, giving a life-like effect to the static statuettes. -
Western Asiatic Twisted Silver Bracelet Pair
10th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Each a penannular round-section band with a twisted filigree band coiled around the shank; clubbed finials, one with closure clip fitting. 259 grams total, 75-78 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. 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. -
Mesopotamian Black Stone Seal with Lion and Male Figure
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Rectangular in profile with carved detailing; obverse with standing figure in ankle-length robe, bearded head turned; dividing rib beside an advancing lion with mouth open; reverse scene with perching bird and other items; pierced vertically for mounting. 97 grams, 64 mm
Collected from 1970-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK. 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.