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LOT 1581
Sasanian Carnelian Stamp Seal with Recumbent Animal
CIRCA 3RD-7TH CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (1.56 grams, 12.41 mm).
Scaraboid type with incuse crouching stag motif. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Assyrian Double-Faced Pendant Depicting Pazuzu, King of Wind Demons
8th-6th century B.C.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Carved in the round with flared base, addorsed faces of the demon with suspension lug above. 50.24 grams, 44 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK.
The figure described as the 'King of Wind Demons' is commonly identified with Pazuzu, a well-known demon in Assyrian and Babylonian tradition. Despite his fearsome appearance, often shown with a canine face, bulging eyes, a scaly body, and wings, Pazuzu was not simply a malevolent force. He was understood as the ruler of the winds, particularly the hot, destructive winds from the desert, but was also invoked for protection. Most notably, Pazuzu was believed to ward off the demon Lamashtu, who threatened pregnant women and infants. Small amulets and pendants bearing his image were therefore worn or placed in domestic spaces as protective devices. Objects such as this pendant belong to that world of everyday belief, where the boundary between danger and protection was fluid, and where even a demon could serve an apotropaic role. -
Western Asiatic Silver Amulet
12th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Formed as a splayed animal figure with an integral loop. 2.16 grams, 21 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Large Bactrian Black Chlorite 'Hand Bag' Ceremonial Weight
3rd millennium B.C.Estimate: £15,000 - 20,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £7,500
D-shaped in profile with a round-section loop and incuse sockets to accept inlay in contrasting colours (mostly absent); obverse with a reserved scene of two opposed human-headed scorpions with ribbed detailing advancing below two smaller scorpions placed perpendicular to them; reverse with a median eagle with wings extended and feather detailing, flanked by rearing serpents and other animals. 3.81 kg, 26.2 cm
Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s. Private collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13285-253383.
