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LOT 1187
Mixed Ancient Bead Collection
1ST MILLENNIUM B.C. AND LATER
1/8 - 1 3/4 in. (107 grams total, 1-43 mm).
Including fusiform, oblate biconical, polyhedral and other types in glass, and other materials. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceLondon, UK, collection, 2000s.
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.
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Monumental Luristan Bronze Armband Pair with Dragon Heads
Late 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
A matching pair of penannular armbands, each with a round-section body and dragon-head terminals, one terminal on each band separately made; the dragons with ring-and-dot eyes and linear decoration, slit mouths and flaring nostrils. 1.19 kg total, 13-13.1 cm
Ex London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s. Private collection, London.
Bronze armbands of this scale and quality are characteristic of Luristan, an important centre of metal production in western Iran during the early 1st millennium B.C. The region is renowned for its distinctive cast bronzes, including weapons, horse trappings, and items of personal adornment, often decorated with powerful animal imagery. The dragon, with its elongated body and open jaws, was a common motif in Luristan art, symbolising strength, protection, and the supernatural. Armbands with dragon-head terminals likely carried an apotropaic function, serving both as impressive ornaments and as protective charms for the wearer. Monumental examples such as this pair are rare survivals, attesting to the high status of their original owner and the extraordinary skill of Luristan bronze workers. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Zoomorphic Bell
Early 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Hollow-formed as a beast-head, conical in plan with open muzzle flanked by tusks, raised almond-shaped eyes and bridle bands, segmented band to the brow, two lateral curved horns; rear face with two birds and loop above the aperture. 189 grams, 83 mm wide
Ex London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s. Private collection, London, UK. -
Mesopotamian Marble Chalice
Late 2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
With flared foot and sturdy shank, bowl with carinated profile and everted rim. 6.47 kg, 35.2 cm
Ex Mayfair, London, UK, gallery, 2000s.
