Loading, please wait...
LOT 1182
Neo Babylonian Agate Duck Weight with Engraving
MID 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
1 1/8 in. (11.8 grams, 28 mm).
Modelled as a duck with its head resting along its voluminous back, base engraved with a crescent, dots, lines and triangles.
ProvenanceCollected from 1969-1999.
From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.
Cf. Christie's A Peaceable Kingdom/ The Leo Mildenberg Collection of Ancient Animals, London, 2004, item 164; Kozloff, A.P., Animals in Ancient Art, from the Leo Mildenberg collection, Cleveland, 1981, fig.12bis.
FootnotesThere are references to keeping ducks in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia from the third millennium B.C. onwards. One of the most common shapes for Near Eastern weights was 'the sleeping duck'. Representation demonstrates that the duck served chiefly as a meat source, even though a certain cultic significance must also be presumed: the crescent here engraved could be connected with the cult of Ishtar.
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.
-
Western Asiatic Graduated Gold Tubular Bead Set
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £325
Mixed group of tubular beads with granulation or incised segmentation. 3.17 grams total, 4-8 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. -
Western Asiatic Electrum Gold Pendant with Garnets
Circa 3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Comprising a lozenge-shaped plaque with applied ropework, two raised cells with filigree loops to the edges, set with garnet cabochons; suspension loop above. 1.83 grams, 19.46 mm
From the property of the late Mr SM, London, UK, 1969-1999. -
South Arabian Bowl with Hunting Scene and Inscription
Circa 3rd century B.C.-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £10,000 - 14,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5,000
Hemispherical with thickened rim; repoussé frieze of two armoured warriors wearing scale armour and a type of spangenhelm, each shooting a bow at a gryphon attacking a fleeing deer, and a lion attacking an ibex, scorpion and running animals in the field, rosette to the centre; four incised characters to the outer rim 'Π Ϲ ϕ ο'; another inscription in over the body of the gryphon. 278 grams, 15.2 cm diameter
Perfectly preserved, very good condition.
Saleh family collection, Germany, formed prior to 1972. 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. 12018-213619.
