Mughal Jade Plaque with Inscription

Depicting the head of a bird with a large loop on the reverse, accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Decorative 'Badge' of Bronze 48 x 42 x 14 mm. This is flat, with a loop on the back, through which would be threaded a strap or cord so that the object would decorate the person or animal to which it was attached. The object depicts the head of a bird of prey in a flat engraved surface, with big eye, beak with curving end, and projections above the head. The neck has a ruff consisting of seven 'rays' ending in circles, four pointing one way, three the opposite way and joining in the middle. This comes from eastern Iran or west central Asia and dates to c. 1000-200 B.C. There is chipping of the end of the beak and of one of the circles, and the piece is a little worn and bent, but it is generally in good condition.' 14.8 grams, 48 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly report, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert.

D-shaped in profile with a round-section loop; obverse with a reserved scene of two lions with hatched detailing to the fur advancing towards a small quadruped placed perpendicular to them; reverse with a median eagle with wings extended and feather detailing, flanked by rearing serpents and a scorpion; mounted on a custom-made stand. 6.25 kg total, 28.3 cm high including stand



with Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, Tel Aviv, 10 November 1969. Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. London, UK, collection. Accompanied by a copy of an original invoice from Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, 10 November 1969. 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.13246-252973.

Among the most iconic intercultural style objects are the so-called 'lock' or 'handbag' weights. They have been found in a variety of different colourful stones, such as breccia, chlorite, fossiliferous limestone, calcite and onyx. At the beginning, these objects were probably not weights at all, but were likely badges of high office, carried to indicate authority. Similar objects have been found throughout Mesopotamia, the islands of the Persian Gulf, on the Iranian steppe, and in the Indus Valley.

D-section carved mask with lateral spurs to the brow, exaggerated aquiline nose and broad mouth with raised lips; applied shell and glass inlay to each eye; pierced at the cheeks for attachment; mounted on a custom-made stand. 28.7 grams total, head: 28 mm wide, 83 mm including stand



From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1970s-1990s; and a North American collection.