Mughal Marble Head of a Lion

Zoomorphic seal with V-shaped handle to 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: 'Stam Seal of Bronze 45.5x38x19 mm. This has the shape of the items depicted, with flat face and flat back with handle of inverted V-shape mounted on it. The design is compartmented but not open-work and is divided into two compartments, one with three projections, the other with two. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. The ends of the projections have slight denting, but otherwise the object is in very good condition. Interpretation of the design is difficult, but each section appears to have one head of an eagle and one set of an eagle's tail feathers, as if two eagles are crossed, but there is still a difficulty with the third head. The design is extremely rare.' 20 grams, 45 mm



Ex Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection number R-495, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s.

Modelled in the round with heavily-lidded eyes, wavy hair and ushnisha; Mounted on a custom-made stand. 315 grams total, 97 mm including stand



Acquired in the London art market. Private collection, 1970s.

In a rectangular white card reveal with ellipsoid opening, hand-painted watercolour scene depicting a noblewoman in a garden, resting against a large decorated pillow, wearing a transparent shawl with floral detailing over a lavender-coloured robe, sitar and water vessel beside her and two red pillows on a decorated yellow mat with flowers and tendrils; fences in foreground and behind the figure, and willow tree beyond; liquid gold detailing to the shawl, sitar and vessel. 152 grams, 31 x 25.2 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. Scottish private collection.