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LOT 1520
Sumerian Stone Statue Fragment
3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
3 3/8 in. (340 grams, 85 mm).
Carved in the round figure of a lion crouching on its haunches, with neck arched and forepaws resting on the spine (upper edge) of an animal placed perpendicular to the lion's head biting into its flesh; the D-shaped face with teardrop-shaped sockets for the eyes, button nose, small triangular ears; the prey with legs folded beneath the body, head turned along the lion's mane and left shoulder, with small protrusive horn and ear, oval socket for the eye; integral base with rounded lateral edges, fracture at each end.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
LiteratureSee Strommenger, E., The Art of Mesopotamia, London, 1964, no.26, for examples of the theme of lions attacking their prey.
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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Western Asiatic Bronze Scroll Fragment
2nd-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
A tubular, hollow fragment with overlapping ends. 2.69 grams, 38.5 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Western Asiatic Leaf-Shaped Gold Pendant
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Formed of sheet-gold with an applied granule below and suspension loop above. 0.17 grams, 11 mm
Ex private British collection, formed in the 1980s. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman. -
Urartu Bull-Headed Bronze Cauldron Applique Pair
8th century B.C.Estimate: £12,000 - 17,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £6,000
Matched pair of bovine-head mounts, each formed as a pair of D-shaped wings and a tail with low-relief feather detailing and holes to accept rivets; central head and neck of a bull with prominent horns, bands of curly hair to the plate and throat, large scaphoid eyes, incised contour detailing to muzzle, socket to reverse. 790 grams total, 8-13 cm wide
From the warehouse of Lane Hope Ltd, London, UK, 1980s (company dissolved December 1991). Private collection, UK; anonymous sale, Gorny & Mosch, Munich, Auction 206, 20 June 2012, no.85. European private collection, acquired at Gorny & Mosch, 2012. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate, no.6210.AM. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Gorny & Mosch catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12696-234610.
The fittings would have formed a part of four to the rim of a large bronze cauldron. Urartu was centred in eastern Anatolia, around Lake Van; the capital, Tushpa, was located on the eastern shore of the lake, situated on a high and elongated rock outcrop. Most sites boasted a well-built temple situated at the highest point, as well as a number of large storage rooms containing rows of large vessels for storing oil and grains, and massive, well-built fortification walls.
