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LOT 1081
Sumerian Alabaster Head
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
1 1/4 in. (17.14 grams, 31 mm).
Exquisitely carved in a naturalistic manner with sculpted nose and ears, rounded cheeks, forehead and chin; hollowed eyes probably to accept inserts, delicate incisions enhancing the facial features and adding wrinkles to the face; a hollowed tubular shaft to the base of the head.
ProvenanceFrom a major London, UK, collection of Mr S.M., formed from 1970-1999.
Accompanied by a previous typed cataloguing card.
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AUCTIONS:
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Mesopotamian Cuneiform Tablet Fragment
2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Fragment with neatly impressed dense cuneiform text to both faces; repaired. 40.4 grams, 70 mm
From specialised collection of cuneiform texts, formed in the 1950s-1990s. The property of a London gentleman and housed in London, thence by descent to family members. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and 1990s. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.) -
Elamite Bronze Axehead
Late 3rd-early 2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
With short socketted shaft, the plain rectangular blade broadening towards the cutting edge. 460 grams, 15.2 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
Unadorned weapons, especially axes, adzes and picks, were made by Luristan craftsmen for the Elamite warriors using simple clay or stone bivalve moulds, into which a core to form the socket for the shaft was inserted. Typically, the metallic composition consisted of a combination of arsenical bronze and copper, together with a small percentage of lead. -
Mesopotamian Terracotta Administrative Cuneiform Tablet
2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
Pillow-shaped with dense cuneiform text to both broad faces and one long edge. 139 grams, 82 mm
From an important collection of a London gentleman, 1980-2000s.
