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LOT 1337
Scythian Gilt Bronze Zoomorphic Applique
7TH CENTURY B.C.
3 in. (44.5 grams, 77 mm).
Consisting of five (one absent) long-necked eagle heads facing in opposite directions, the beaked heads with raised eyes, necks decorated with a necklace imitating precious stones; three attachment holes.
ProvenanceAcquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. for similar bird heads see plaques from Melgunov Kurgan, in Andreeva, P., Fantastic Beasts Of The Eurasian Steppes: Toward A Revisionist Approach to Animal-Style Art, Penn, 2018, fig.2.41, p.123.
FootnotesPossibly an applique from a quiver.
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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LOT 1337
Scythian Gilt Bronze Zoomorphic Applique
Estimate £400 - 600€460 - 700 (for guidance only)$540 - 810 (for guidance only)
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Babylonian Agate Stamp Seal
600-500 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £624
Bell-shaped with incuse image to underside comprising a harpy, crescent and standing bearded figure in a long robe; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 11.9 grams, 25 mm
Ex collection of the late S.M., London, UK, 1970-1990s. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Western Asiatic Rock Crystal Bead Group
1st millennium B.C. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £33
Comprising mostly irregular, unpolished beads; including three large parallelepiped and some cylindrical beads. 46 grams total, 6-15 mm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
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Akkadian Shell Cylinder Seal with Heroes
2350-2200 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,720
Representing a god with horned helmet, half animal and half man, standing on the left and holding a staff, near him the hero Gilgamesh killing Humbaba, and the hero Enkindu killing the celestial bull, followed by a mythological divinity depicted as half animal and half human; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 27 grams, 33 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12577-232112. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
King Sargon of Akkad created political unity when he seized control of Mesopotamia, and carvings on seals from the time demonstrate his success by portraying the power the Akkadian gods had to legitimize both their domain and their rulers. Religious scenes on cylinder seals detail the spiritual beliefs and practices of the time. The deeply intertwined relationship between religion and state power in Akkad is also present in the decorations of some cylinder seals. Here the hero Gilgamesh, embodying the strength of royal power, kills the monster Humbaba, as the king of Akkad kills his enemies.
