Ordos Gilt Bronze Zoomorphic Applique

Composed of two decoratively twisted hoops, terminals formed as two facing lion (or lioness) heads supporting the bezel, a twisted roundel, in their mouths, central bifacial swivel plaque displaying a menorah flanked by letters 'W-T' on both faces; articulate join between hoops and animal heads. 36.1 grams, 73 mm



Acquired before 1988. From the collection of a deceased collector.

A bulla with oval stamped impression of two animals. 147 grams, 60 mm



Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1988. Thence by descent to family members. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue page.

Small globular and hollowed clay balls are defined as 'bulla'. They are also known as ‘bulla-envelopes', some of which are plain and some displaying epigraphic, zoomorphic and/or figural decoration, impressed by either cylinder or stamp seals. Bulla first emerged in Mesopotamia and their earliest occurrence can be traced to circa 8000 B.C. Most know decorated bullae come from the Uruk area and offer an insight into its culture. This bulla represents a religious scene, indicated by the combination of the pyramid-shaped byre and the 'sacred herd', which are seen on the early Uruk seals. The symbol of the Mother-Goddess, presented in conjunction with the representations of sheep herd and byre, gave such imagery symbolic significance. The impression with two sheep depicted under the byre, might have been impressed by a stamp seal of the early Uruk period.

Formed as three vertical bars joined near the base; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze 54 x 48 x 26mm This bears the shape of the design, with flat face and flat back, on which is mounted a handle of angular shape with rounded top. The piece has roughly three parallel vertical segments, which join in the middle, the whole being surrounded by a rim. Each segment has a row of dots in it: four in the two outer segments, six in the middle one, which is longer. This comes from western central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is extremely rare for its design, which may be understood as a stylized depiction of a standing four-winged god, but this is not completely certain.The piece is generally in good condition, but is a little bent.' 25 grams, 53 mm



Ex S collection, deceased, London, UK, 1990s. Accompanied by an original scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert.