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LOT 0170
Old Babylonian Pictographic Tablet
2600-2400 B.C.
2 in. (47 grams, 50 mm).
A roughly pillow-shaped clay tablet bearing pictographs to one face.
ProvenanceAcquired early 1990s.
Ex private American collection; thence by descent.
Private Swiss collection since 1998.
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AUCTIONS:
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Central Asian Eagle and Snake Compartmented Seal Pendant
23rd-20th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
A copper-alloy compartmented stamp seal formed as a geometric style eagle with spread wings, a coiled snake gripped in its talons; suspension loop to reverse. 17.6 grams, 47 mm
1980s-early 1990s collection, UK. -
Tel Brak Type Alabaster Eye Idol
Circa 3rd millennium B.C.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
A Tel Brak type creamy alabaster anthropomorphic eye idol, possibly of figurative female form, carved with a bell-shaped body, two 'breasts', remains of openwork 'eyes' above. 33.5 grams, 43 mm
Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.
A classic artefact type from ancient Mesopotamia. Likely hand-carved using drills and string cutting. Eye idols were so named in the 1930s by the British archaeologist Max Mallowan. Whilst excavating a mound called Tel Brak, he discovered hundreds of anthropomorphic items of similar form, thus naming the mound 'Temple of the Eyes'. -
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Miniature Tel Brak Marble Eye Idol
Circa 3100-3000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £264
A miniature marble 'eye' idol composed of a squat, carinated body and two piercings to the head. 2.92 grams, 18 mm
Fine condition, repaired.
Acquired 1960-2010. Old French collection of Dr Delattre, who collected principally prehistoric objects but also ancient bronzes, natural history and curiosity around the world. Property of a French collector.
