Mesopotamian Shell Necklace Bead Group

Rectangular carved furniture panel with raised frame above and below the central figure modelled in the half-round; the figure an advancing gryphon with head raised and wings spread, hair falling in three locks to the shoulder, tail raised; the wing with raised rims to the feathers forming cells to accept an inlay in contrasting colour; remains of tenons above and below; Phoenician style; mounted on a custom-made stand. 274 grams total, 10 cm wide including stand



Ex Florida collection, purchased from Kelekian, New York, prior to 1970. Acquired by the current owner from the above. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11971-209611.

The figure is shown with the head raised; the example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is very similar, is eating the flowers of a tiered papyrus plant. Many such plaques were manufactured in workshops at Nimrud, but some may have been plundered from the treasuries of defeated enemies.

With poppy-shaped head and flared collar beneath, one with balustered finial. 55 grams total, 10-14.5 cm



Private collection formed in the 1990s. Acquired from a central London gallery. Property of an Essex gentleman.

Comprising a stylised hollow form figure with open mouth and incised detailing, carrying a netted bag on his back with the wide straps going over his shoulders, a necklace(?) shown between the straps, an intricate headdress with small lappets covering most of his head; a votive figure of a nude woman on a tongue-shaped plaque with a raised lip above and below. 149 grams total, 90-95 mm



UK private collection. Acquired from Den of Antiquity, Cambridgeshire, UK, 2011. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.