Mesopotamian Stone Weight Collection

Hollow-formed cylinder seal-type attachment, possibly from a walking stick or a furniture fitting, with a frieze of opposed seated figures, beasts and other details; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 32.33 grams, 31 mm

Fair condition. Very rare.

Acquired before 1990. With a central London gallery. Private collection of a North West London lady.

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.

Comprising four cylindrical lapis lazuli beads carved with spiral grooves like a screw thread, interspersed with oblate rock crystal beads, ten tubular lapis lazuli beads flanking the modern clasp, restrung. 52 grams, 73.5 cm



with a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s.