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LOT 0048
Sasanian Carnelian Gemstone of a Fantastic Creature with Pahlavi Legend
4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
3/8 in. (0.32 grams, 10 mm).
Plano-convex in section with advancing winged and horned beast, Pahlavi legend to the border; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenancePrivate English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s.
Private collection, London, UK.
Fanciful combinations of various human and animal heads, sometimes with the addition of other elements, are generally called grylloi. These fantastic devices were more than mere artists' fancies and were worn by the ancient Romans and others for their supposed efficacy in averting the evil eye.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0048
Sasanian Carnelian Gemstone of a Fantastic Creature with Pahlavi Legend
Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
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Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Collection
13th-9th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Comprising tanged triangular arrowheads, one with barbed shoulders. 327 grams total, 8.3-14.4 cm
London, UK, collection, 1990s.
One series of arrowheads seems to belong to the category of lanceolate head and rounded shoulders from the category Type V, i.e. triangular arrowheads with rounded or angular midrib. Some other arrowheads seem to be a subcategory of subtype A of Khorasani, but longer. -
Western Asiatic Decorated Carnelian Bead
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Lozengiform in plan, with a dense, grooved geometric pattern. 5.49 grams, 27.39 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Large Mamluk Silver Ring with Star of David
Circa 13th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Wide, decorated hoop with a raised rosette at the base, large flower-shaped bezel with supporting bars, scroll motifs forming the border and a six-pointed star at the centre. 41.91 grams, 34.38 mm overall, 20.54 x 17.81 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.