Sasanian Carnelian Gemstone of an Ibex with Inscription

Comprising a domed body, underside with engraved horned animal among foliage; pierced longitudinally; accompanied with slip reading 'Bertolami Fine Arts: Oxus, sigillo in giadeite con stambecco, BFA, E74, Lot 373'. 9.27 grams, 24 mm



with Bertolami Fine Arts, Auction E74, no.373. Private collection, Europe.

Columnar in form with discoid base supporting a pair of stylised head with almond-shaped eyes, button nose, prominent elongated chin and triangular lobes; suspension loop to the top. 25.80 grams, 36 mm



Ex Mayfair, London, UK, collection, 1979-1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13072-249423.

Pazuzu was an Assyrian and Babylonian demonic god who was represented with a canine head, scaly body, a snake-headed penis, the talons of a bird, and usually four wings. He is often regarded as an evil underworld demon, but he seems also to have played a beneficent role as a protector against pestilential winds; a bronze figure of Pazuzu in the Louvre, (accession number MNB 467) is inscribed, ‘I am Pazuzu, son of Hanpa, king of the evil spirits of the air which issues violently from mountains, causing much havoc.’ His close association with Lamashtu, a fierce demon goddess responsible for child mortality, resulted in him being used to counter her powers and send her back to the underworld. Amulets of Pazuzu were positioned in dwellings to act as protective barriers to evil powers, or were often in the form of just a head, as in this example, and were hung around the necks of pregnant women. Pazuzu is popularly known today as the demon from the 1973 film ‘The Exorcist’.

Discoid in plan with flange rim and sidewall pinched to form a nozzle. 69 grams, 97 mm



From the Lloyd and Jeanne Raport collection, Washington, D.C. and Florida, USA, formed between 1972-2000. Acquired through Bonhams, London, UK.