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LOT 1319
Ordos Gilt Bronze Zoomorphic Applique
CIRCA 4TH CENTURY B.C.
3 in. (44.5 grams, 77 mm).
Consisting of five (one absent) long-necked eagle heads facing in opposite directions, the beaked heads with raised eyes, necks decorated with a necklace imitating precious stones; three attachment holes.
ProvenanceAcquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent.
Cf. for similar bird heads see plaques from Melgunov Kurgan, in Andreeva, P., Fantastic Beasts Of The Eurasian Steppes: Toward A Revisionist Approach to Animal-Style Art, Penn, 2018, fig.2.41, p.123.
FootnotesPossibly an applique from a quiver.
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:
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Post-Sasanian Cut Glass Vase
Circa 9th-10th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
Trumpet-shaped neck with facets to the outer face, broad shoulder and gently flared body with wheel-cut arcading to the sidewall; supplied in a custom-made display box. 222 grams, 14 cm
Private collection, UK.
The vessel belongs to the category of glass items with cut decoration. Usually, the neck of these vessels presents seven sides, the shoulder nine or eleven, between horizontal grooves. Arcade-like motifs adorn the body. The body presents nine, ten or eleven sides above the base. -
Old Babylonian Terracotta Cuneiform Tablet for the Loan of Money During the Reign of Sin-iqišam King of Larsa
1840-1836 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,755
A pillow-shaped tablet, with cuneiform text to the broad faces and an edge, reading: 'Idnin-Sîn and Sutitum have obtained from the god Šamaš (a loan of) 5/6 mine 5 shekels of silver, the silver (has) an interest of 4 shekels 1/3. He° will have to repay the money at the time of sowing. Before (the god) Ea, Before (the goddess) Sugallitum Before (the god) Nanna Before Dani Seal of one (of the) witnesses... In the month of Tebitum The year of Sin-iqišam the king.' 85 grams, 59 mm
Ex private collection. with Bonhams, Antiquities, London, 21 October 1999, no.260 (Part). Private central European collection. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12244-219769. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Collection
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Including tanged, barbed, square-section and other types. 150 grams total, 4.5-10.7 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.