Loading, please wait...
LOT 0304
Sumerian Limestone Bull Head Protome
3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
5 3/4 in. (1.24 kg total, 14.5 cm high including stand).
With large eyes, the pupils inlaid in black chlorite, bone insert for the sclerae, three arching grooved brows, the wide muzzle with a horizontal incision between the nostrils, closed mouth; sockets to the sides of the head to accept separately made horns and ears; the edge of the neck contoured for attachment; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
ProvenancePrivate European collection, 1985.
with Christie’s, New York, 3 June 2009, no.35.
Private collection, Europe.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12358-226703.
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. Woolley, L., Medio Oriente, Milano, 1961, for a comparison with a famous gold bull’s head from the Ur’s lyre; Settgast, J., Von Troja bis Amarna, The Norbert Schimmel Collection, Mainz, 1978, no.120, for a club head with similar bull heads; Kramer, S.N., I Sumeri, alle radici della storia, Milano, 1979; see also a copper-alloy head in the British Museum, from Ubaid (Museum Number 118015) in Spicket, A., La statuaire du Proche-Orient Ancien, Leiden, 1981, p.137; Van Dijk-Coombes, R. M., ‘Mesopotamian Gods and the Bull’ in Sociedades Precapitalistas, 8(1), December 2018, pp.1-15.
FootnotesIn Sumerian mythology, the bull was associated with the storm and rain god Hadad (Iškur), and is widely represented on artworks (Woolley, 1961, pp.46, 52; Kramer, 1979, figs.17, 18, 22). The round inlaid eyes are typical of Sumerian art of Early Dynastic Period, as well as the triple eyebrows.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Western Asiatic Green Glazed Oil Lamp
12th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Rounded body with a long U-shaped nozzle and a wide neck. 267 grams, 13.5 cm
Acquired from older English collections via the UK art market since the mid 1970s. From the private collection of Peran Dachinger, thence by descent. From the family collection of a Maida Vale lady, UK. 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. -
Mesopotamian Haematite Cylinder Seal with Figures
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
With incuse frieze comprising a standing robed figure and a winged figure with a spear advancing towards a kilted figure with daggers in his hands above an ankh; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.43 grams, 17.14 mm
From the 'S' collection, acquired 1970-1990s. The collection was seen and studied by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993.) 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. -
Large Western Asiatic Silver-Coloured Metal Ring with Chrysoprase Calligraphic Gemstone
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
Comprising a keeled hoop, striated shoulders with notched edges, openwork flower motif beneath the octagonal bezel, gilt rim to the bezel set with a facetted intaglio engraved calligraphy on four sides and the top. 17.51 grams, 29.75 mm overall, 20.68 mm internal diameter (approximate size British W, USA 11, Europe 25, Japan 24)
From the family collection of a Hampstead gentleman; formerly acquired in the 1980s. 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.
