Loading, please wait...
_900x900.jpg "Mesopotamian Torch Bearer Stand with Lion Tamer")
_200x200.jpg "Mesopotamian Torch Bearer Stand with Lion Tamer")
.jpg "Mesopotamian Torch Bearer Stand with Lion Tamer")
LOT 0221
Mesopotamian Torch Bearer Stand with Lion Tamer
EARLY DYNASTIC II, MID 3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
8 1/4 in. (2.15 kg, 21 cm high).
A substantial torch bearer depicting a male lion or panther standing with legs firmly planted on a rectangular base, tail extending to the ground, with a massive circular shaped armature or candelabra issuing from its back and wearing an elaborate muzzle, the eyes retaining shell inlay with a circular hollow for the pupils; to the right of the beast a kneeling nude male wearing a large belt-armour and a diadem, eyes inlaid, left hand extended to the side and holding the lion's leash.
ProvenanceAcquired before 1983.
Ex London gallery, 1990s.
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 a search certificate number no.12043-216337.
Cf. a similar vessel stand with ibex support in the Metropolitan Museum, accession number 1974.190; Frankfort, H., More Sculpture from the Diyala Region, OIP 60, Chicago, 1943, pls.33-34, 55-57; 91,95; Carter, M.L., Goldstein, S., Harper, P.O., Kawami, T.S., Meyers, P., Splendours of the Ancient East, Antiquities from the al-Sabah collection, London, 2013, figs.1 and nos.1-2-3-4, for metal figures made in similar style; Prell, S., ‘Buckle up and fasten that belt! Metal belts in the early and Middle Bronze Age’ in Ägypten und Levante/Egypt and the Levant, vol.29 (2019), pp.303-330.
FootnotesThe object belongs to a series of artefacts which attest the wide regional trade existing in the mid to late 3rd millennium B.C. in the Mesopotamian lands. Stands of this type were intended to hold offering bowls or lamps.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Syro-Hittite Terracotta Fertility Figure
Circa 2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
Flat-section figurine with flared base; applied annular eyes, pinched nose, applied textured hair, collar and necklace; arms held bent across the chest; mounted on a custom-made stand. 361 grams total, 22 cm high including stand
Mounted on a perspex column in the 1970s. From the property of late Mr SM, London, UK, 1969-1999. -
Mesopotamian Cylinder Seal with Drinking and Animal Combat Scenes
Circa 2400-2200 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
With drinking scenes; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Cylinder Seal of Translucent Greenstone / 31 x 12 mm. The engraved area is divided into two registers by a double line. Above is a drinking scene: two seated drinkers, each with a large ot of beer, and between the pots a standing servant. Below is a contest scene: two crossed lions molest each a horned animal. The horned animal on the left is upended, and is succoured by a hero. This comes from Mesopotamia and dates to c. 2400-2200 B.C. It is nicely engraved and in excellent state of preservation.' 8.09 grams, 31 mm
Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. From a collection acquired from various auction houses in the UK. From the estate of Mr R.W., a private Wiltshire, UK, collector; thence by descent. Accompanied by an original typed and signed scholarly note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993. -
Achaemenid Gold Ram Earring
4th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
The shank formed from a group of twisted rods developing to a hollow-formed conical bulb with ram's head finial; applied filigree detailing, beaded wire horns, hook closure. 2.18 grams, 22 mm
From the H.N. collection, Milton Keynes, Berkshire, UK, 1990s.
