Sassanian Age Stamp Seal with Scorpion

Bulbous body and broad flared neck with slightly everted rim. 708 grams, 18.5 cm high



London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Composed mainly of restrung and graduated lozenge-shaped and spherical beads, together with later gold beads of different types adorned with granulated collars and filigree; modern silver-gilt hook-and-eye clasp. 44.2 grams, 43.5 cm long



Acquired 1969-1999. From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, thence by descent.

The figure with two pierced ears and painted face detailing, neck ornamentation and arm bangles, continuing to the reverse; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 61 grams total, 13 cm high including stand



Ex UK collection formed in the 1980s. Acquired on the London art market. Accompanied by an Artemission, London SW5, certificate of authenticity.

Terracotta was a favoured material for the production of idols in the ancient Near East, the idols themselves representing deities, particularly goddesses that were connected to fertility. Such idols could even represent worshippers themselves. The Neo-Hittite civilisation, also known as the 'Syro-Hittite' civilisation, existed during the Iron Age in the areas that are now modern day northern Syria and Southern Anatolia. The Hittite empire collapsed around the 12th century B.C., an event which was proceeded by the decline of the Eastern Mediterranean trade networks, together with the fall of the major late Bronze Age cities in the Levant, Anatolia, and the Aegean.