Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1474
Neo Assyrian Haematite Pazuzu Head
8TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.
1 in. (16.2 grams, 24 mm).
Modelled in the round with grotesque features and fierce teeth exposed; drilled through the head for suspension.
Provenance
UK private collection before 2000.
Acquired on the UK art market.
Property of a London gentleman.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Literature
See British Museum, Splendours of Mesopotamia, London, 2011, p.203, cat.180, for type.
Footnotes
In Babylonian mythology the demon Pazuzu was the son of the god Hanpa. His consort, the demon Lamaštu, carried fever and preyed upon children and pregnant women. She could be neutralised with appropriate spells and amulets, which also protected against other demons. For this reason, women wore an amulet with the effigy of Pazuzu around their necks during pregnancy.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Bactrian Decorated Stone Vessel
3rd-2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,235
Drum-shaped with squared rim, sidewall with reserved decoration in three registers, hatched panels to the rim above stepped geometric forms above vertical ribbing. 305 grams, 85 mm wide
Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Achaemenid Bronze Cup
6th-4th century B.C.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £40
With rounded base and cylindrical body gently tapering towards the top. 71.5 grams, 78 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Neo Babylonian Chalcedony Stamp Seal with Worshipper and Prancing Bull
5th-4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
Discoid in plan with convex upper face; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Amber Chalcedony 21 x 19 x 11 mm. This is a scaraboid pieced vertically. The design shows a standing worshipper in long robe raising one hand to a stand on which is a prancing bull on the back of which rises a pole surmounted with a lunar crescent. The stand is covered with wavey lines. This is a Late Babylonian seal, c. 600-350 B.C. from Mesopotamia or an adjacent area. The general design is typical for the period, but the stand with wavey lines and the prancing bull are rare and may be unique to this seal. The seal is worn and there is a chip by the head of the worshipper, but the design is entirely clear'; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 6.33 grams, 20.92 mm
with Christie's, London, 13 June 2000, no.517 [Part]. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in July 2000. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.