LOT 0284

Neo-Assyrian Winged Gryphon Bone Plaque

CIRCA 700 B.C.

4 in. (274 grams total, 10 cm wide including stand).

Rectangular carved furniture panel with raised frame above and below the central figure modelled in the half-round; the figure an advancing gryphon with head raised and wings spread, hair falling in three locks to the shoulder, tail raised; the wing with raised rims to the feathers forming cells to accept an inlay in contrasting colour; remains of tenons above and below; Phoenician style; mounted on a custom-made stand.

Ex Florida collection, purchased from Kelekian, New York, prior to 1970.
Acquired by the current owner from the above.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11971-209611.

Cf. similar item in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York under accession number 64.37.9.

The figure is shown with the head raised; the example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is very similar, is eating the flowers of a tiered papyrus plant. Many such plaques were manufactured in workshops at Nimrud, but some may have been plundered from the treasuries of defeated enemies.