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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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Large Kushan Gold Pendant with Bust of a Goddess
Circa 4th century A.D.Estimate: £12,000 - 17,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £6,000
A late Kushan or Hephthalites Dynasty discoid pendant with a female deity, possibly Nana, at the centre holding a lotus flower in her right hand, hair elaborately dressed and wearing large earrings, necklace and bracelets; enclosed by a border of stylised bull heads and a double-plaited border, the outer edge with raised bosses; later applied polygonal suspension loop with granulated collars and an oval garnet cabochon. 22.11 grams, 71 mm
Acquired by a Swiss family in the mid-1980s to late 1990s, thence by descent. Private collection, Switzerland, since the late 1990s. 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.13021-246776.
Nana (Kushan Greek: Νανα, Ναναια, Ναναϸαο, Sogdian Nni) was a Bactrian female deity, a variation of the pan-Asian Nana, a fusion of the Sumero-Babylonian Inanna-Ishtar with a local deity, in her Kušan form with the local (Zoroastrian) Harakhvati Aredvi Sura Anahita. Such syncretism was common among Kušan deities. She was an important patron deity in the Kušan Empire and the most important deity worshipped by Emperor Kaniška (c. 127-150 A.D.). -
Judean Silver Bracelet with Lion-Head Terminals Holding a Menorah
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £624
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. -
Mamluk Pale Green Glass Feeder Bottle
Circa 14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Lentoid in section with dimple base and tall conical pipe; applied trails to the shoulders. 45.5 grams, 13.8 mm
Private collection, UK.
