Nishapur Terracotta Glazed Bowl

Carved as a seated human figure, body with rows of overlapping tufts of fur, set with a bald head carved from cream stone with semi-naturalistic detailing to the face; a separate wig with wavy hair, and separately modelled hands. 540 grams total, 95 mm high



Pallas Gallery (?), early 2000s. Acquired by the current owner from the above. Private collection of a North American lady. Accompanied by a copy of an invoice. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13372-256950.

This wonderful composite stone sculpture of a seated female figure with finely carved features is typical of the area of Bactria-Margiana, from the late 3rd to early 2nd millennium B.C. Among the few three-dimensional images assigned to this period in Central Asia are a group of stone female figures seated or squatting on a platform and wearing a pattern-decorated robe, perhaps imitating sheep's fleece.

Thick section with a band of impressed advancing animals. 58.4 grams, 83 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Comprising: frieze with three robed figures flanking a hatched column; two ibexes contending with looped necks, standing bird behind; deeply cut linear image of rearing ibexes; shallow-cut image of a hero with raised arm fending off a winged gryphon, star in the field; frieze with facing hero wrestling two rearing beasts; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 28.7 grams total, 18-32 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.