Mesopotamian Grey Stone Geometric Cylinder Pendant

Depicting seven worshippers standing around the edge of a circular platform, facing inwards towards a smaller central figure, some with outstretched arms, others holding offerings, repaired. 830 grams, 17.6 cm



French private collection, Paris, formed between the 1960s-1980s. Acquired Bonhams, London, 13 April 2011, no.61. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages.

Hollow-formed head of a bull with short curved horns, large bulbous eyes, lateral scooped ears, short muzzle with flared nostrils, dewlap beneath; possibly from a rhyton; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 1.3 kg total, 22 cm high including stand

Excellent condition, very rare.

Acquired between 1980-1983. From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman. 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.12019-213616.

The rhyton was dipped into a krater and held above the drinker's mouth with the spout covered by a thumb, then opened to release a stream of wine into the mouth. The bull was a symbol of man’s control over the nature. Not only were these heads used to serve wine in the banquets, but they were also destined to hold blood from sacrificial animals, that was collected and then poured on the ground as a libation.

With hemispherical body and broad rim, decorative band to exterior at neck. 760 grams, 17.3 cm wide

Fine condition; evidence of alteration to base.

London art market 1979. Property of a gentleman living in central London.