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Back to previous pageLOT 0183
Estimate
GBP (£) 6,000 - 8,000
EUR (€) 6,940 - 9,250
USD ($) 8,040 - 10,720
6TH CENTURY B.C.
2 in. (184 grams total, 49-51 mm).
Each bell-shaped in profile with broad socket; underside with savage beast in profile, coiled to fit the tondo, with high-relief claws and head. [2]
PROVENANCE:
Private collection of a London gentleman, acquired between 1965-2020.
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.12781-239316.
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:
Cf. Álvarez-Mon, Basello, G.P., Wicks, Y., The Elamite World, fig. 29.3, for similar iconography of lions in Elamite art; Wicks, J., ‘The Tomb of Two Priestess? The Neo-Elamite Jubaji Tomb in a Religious-Royal context’ in Asia Anterior Antica. Journal of Ancient Near Eastern Cultures 2024, pp.1-38.
FOOTNOTES:
These intricate lion head appliqués offer a glimpse into the ancient artistry and symbolism of Khuzistan (Susiana). They are embodying the cultural reverence for lions as symbols of power and protection. These omphaloi could have been used as furniture decoration or on top of a religious staff or sceptre. The lion heads are common in Neo-Elamite art. The heads of our lions find good parallels with a gold bracelet with lion-head terminals from the Jubaji tomb (Wicks, pl.8).
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