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LOT 0017
Phoenician Bone Sphinx
5TH CENTURY B.C.
1 3/8 in. (21.2 grams, 35 mm).
Seated with curving wings flanking the body and stocky body resting on over-sized lion-paws, small female head with rounded facial features and curly hair; hollow inside.
ProvenanceEx Dr Leo Mildenberg, Zurich, 1990s.
with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Leo Mildenberg (1913–2001) was a distinguished numismatist and antiquities collector, widely recognised for his deep passion for ancient art, especially animal figures. Born in Germany and later based in Switzerland, Mildenberg built a renowned private collection that reflected his keen eye for craftsmanship and historical significance. His collection spanned cultures and periods, including Egyptian, Near Eastern, Greek, and Roman artefacts, with a particular emphasis on zoomorphic sculptures and votive figures.
Portions of Mildenberg’s collection have been exhibited in major museums and featured in auction catalogues that remain important reference sources for scholars and collectors alike.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0017
Phoenician Bone Sphinx
Estimate £800 - 1,000€930 - 1,160 (for guidance only)$1,080 - 1,350 (for guidance only)
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Phoenician Green Stone Scarab with Three-Headed Gryllos
6th-4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,730
With carapace detailing to the convex face; underside with gryllos of a bearded male, a slender female and a boar. 6.94 grams, 28 mm
Ex collection of the late Mr S. M., London, UK, 1970-1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12635-234910. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Grylli motifs usually combine various human and animal heads, sometimes including animal legs. -
Romano-Egyptian Faience Melon Bead Collection
2nd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Comprising thirty green and blue beads in various sizes. 42 grams total, 8-18 mm
Ex H. Norry collection, Milton Keynes, UK, 1980s-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
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Egyptian Jasper Lion-Headed Cobra Amulet in Gold Frame
New Kingdom, circa 1550-1070 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,895
The S-curved body resting on a tongue-shaped based, detailed hood, and delicate details to the head of a lioness; wrapped in a gold frame with suspension loop. 2 grams, 18 mm
Private collection of Mr K.A. Private collection, Europe, 26 June 2009. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12590-232325. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
This amulet likely represents a goddess, either Sekhmet or Wadjet. Sekhmet is typically depicted as a lioness or lion-headed woman, while Wadjet appears in the form of a cobra. The lion-headed cobra form can be an allusion to the uraeus, worn on the crowns of royalty and deities for protection.
