Proto Elamite Bowl with Seated Lions

A clay plaque fragment displaying a stylised incised tree of life and a figure seated right, depicted with pinched head, recessed eye and outstretched arms. 123 grams, 10 cm



Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998.

A bronze calotte-shaped cauldron or basin with collared rectangular handles featuring scalloped grips along the upper edges, a pair of stylised bird of prey protomes beneath each, talons drawn up to their chests, bulging eyes, prominent hooked beaks, wings spread and fan-shaped tails. 679 grams, 23.5 cm wide



Ex Maurice Braham, 1970s. London collection, 1990s. Accompanied by previous typed and illustrated catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11640-199105.

A rare object. The limited number of parallels feature birds of a more schematic style. Only four published parallel cauldrons with bird protomes are known to exist. Given the quality of the ornament, such basis may have been used by members of the elite in Iron Age Iranian society, although their exact functions remains unclear. One 'orientalised' Etruscan bronze cauldron was found used as a cremation vessel, placed in a tumulus and associated with a localised 'heroic' burial context. Other feasible uses include high status drinking vessels or symbols of rank.

A mixed group of ceramic vessels of various types, including jars and bowls, including examples painted with geometric motifs. 1.8 kg total , 8.6-15.1 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.