Parthian Lead-Glazed Amphora

Conical in profile with low disc to the foot. 156 grams, 12.5 cm



Ex property of a London, UK, gentleman, Mayfair gallery, 1990s.

Modelled as an elongated rhomb pierced lengthways; accompanied by a copy of 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 pink stone, 51 x 23 x 10 mm,, [sic] an elongated rhomb, pierced lengthways. Design: criss-cross. Mesopotamia or Syria, c. 3500 B.C. Condition very good.' 13.8 grams, 52 mm



Previously in an old British collection formed in the 1960s. Ex 1990s London collections, having been studied and catalogued by professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Formerly with a Mayfair art dealer S.A. Property of a London gallery. Accompanied by an original scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert.

A matching pair of penannular armbands, each with a round-section body and dragon-head terminals, one terminal on each band separately made; the dragons with ring-and-dot eyes and linear decoration, slit mouths and flaring nostrils. 1.19 kg total, 13-13.1 cm



Ex London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s. Private collection, London.

Bronze armbands of this scale and quality are characteristic of Luristan, an important centre of metal production in western Iran during the early 1st millennium B.C. The region is renowned for its distinctive cast bronzes, including weapons, horse trappings, and items of personal adornment, often decorated with powerful animal imagery. The dragon, with its elongated body and open jaws, was a common motif in Luristan art, symbolising strength, protection, and the supernatural. Armbands with dragon-head terminals likely carried an apotropaic function, serving both as impressive ornaments and as protective charms for the wearer. Monumental examples such as this pair are rare survivals, attesting to the high status of their original owner and the extraordinary skill of Luristan bronze workers.