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LOT 1593
South Arabian Carving of a Nude Couple in Erotic Embrace with Inscription
1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
5 1/4 in. (380 grams total, 13.3 cm including stand).
Modelled in the round as two figures embracing, the upper figure with a pseudo inscription to the back; mounted on a custom-made stand.
ProvenanceFormerly in the collection of Mr K.
Ex collection of Mr H., acquired in Switzerland in the early 2000s.
Private collection, Switzerland, acquired in 2010.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12875-241696.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1593
South Arabian Carving of a Nude Couple in Erotic Embrace with Inscription
Estimate £4,000 - 6,000€4,640 - 6,960 (for guidance only)$5,400 - 8,100 (for guidance only)
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Northern Syrian Bronze Female Figure
Early 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £152
The upper part of a flat-backed female figurine, her arms crossed at the chest and wearing a conical headdress. 44.7 grams, 55 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Western Asiatic Bokhara Gilt Manuscript Page
Circa 1820 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
In a gilt wooden glazed frame with card reveal to both pages; collector's label to reverse with details: 'Dala'il al Khairat Bokhara C.1820. This superb illuminated manuscript is of the popular prayer book, the Dala'il Al Khairat and is thought to have been scribed in Bokhara, some 150 miles from Samarkand. For centuries Bokhara was a centre of Islamic scholarship in Asia. The city had some 360 mosques and nearly 10,000 pupils received their education in 140 madrasas or theological colleges. Many fine manuscripts were scribed there, principally to serve the vibrant Muslim culture. This item is a wonderful example. The script is naskh enclosed in gold clouds, an Indian influence. The central panels are bordered with a meandering vine border of the highest quality. It is sad that about a third of the book was damaged beyond repair. An essential item for collectors, a pearl almost beyond price.' 516 grams, 28.7 x 23.5 cm
Acquired on the UK art market. -
Western Asiatic Carnelian Cylinder Seal with God Lamassu
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
Frieze depicting a lamassu in profile advancing towards a tree with crescent above; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.54 grams, 14.1 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.