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LOT 1203
Proto-Sumerian Diorite Fish Pair
3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
1 5/8 in. (17.1 grams total, 41-42 mm).
Two carved fish amulets, each pierced at the mouth for suspension. [2]
ProvenanceSwiss private collection, 1990s.
Acquired in 2002.
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AUCTIONS:
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West Central Asian Bronze Stamp Seal with Horned Beast
Circa 2300-2000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Zoomorphic stamp with loop handle to the reverse; 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. 27.5x35x13 mm. This bears the shape of what is depicted. The face is flat and compartmented, and the back is flat also with look of sheet metal for suspension. The design shows the face of a horned quadruped frontally, with drooping ears and stout horns, but with one big central eye. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is a rare design and in good condition.' 12.5 grams, 31 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. -
Achaemenid Core-Formed Glass Bottle
Circa 5th century B.C.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Narrow tubular body with rounded bottom, narrow shoulder, flared neck; dragged 'feather' ornament to the iridescent surface; mounted on a custom-made stand. 274 grams, 10.5 cm
From a London, UK, collection of glass, 1970-2000s. -
Western Asiatic Amethyst Bead Necklace with Gold Beads
Circa 4th-2nd century B.C.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,250
A designer necklace composed of forty amethyst beads of various shapes and six gold spheres, decorated with granulation and spirals, forming opposed pelta patterns; with later openwork clasp. 69.6 grams, 52.5 cm
Acquired on European art market, 1990s. Private collection of Mr K.A., France. with Kallos Gallery, London. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.13012-246749.
Amethyst was widely used in Graeco-Roman Egypt. We know that the amethyst mines of Abu Diyeiba, near Semna, were in use from the time of Ptolemy VI through to the Roman era. Pliny says that Indian amethysts were the best, but he also refers to amethysts from Egypt. The Egyptian amethysts are typically flawed and of a pale, almost pink, hue. They were seldom set in gold and were most usually made into beads. Ptolemaic and Roman inscriptions and artefacts have been found at amethyst mines in Egypt’s eastern deserts.
