Tall Western Asiatic Pottery Chalice

Including tanged, barbed, square-section and other types. 150 grams total, 4.5-10.7 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Modelled in the round standing facing, the animal's ears pricked, simple recessed eyes, tail hanging between hindlegs, the rider riding bare-back, gripping the horse's mane at the base of the neck, his legs gripping its sides, wearing a textured garment hanging from the left shoulder, pinched face featuring large circular eyes and strong furrowed brow; one arm absent; repaired; mounted on a custom-made display base. 354 grams total, 14.2 cm high including stand



Collection of a deceased London gentleman, 1979-1999, by descent. From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent. Accompanied by a copy of thermoluminescence analysis report no.N122k30 from Oxford Authentication.

Comprising a round-section swivel ring set with a carved Apis bull depicted recumbent with its head turned to the right. 4.71 grams, 27.98 mm overall, 19.07 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12939-245988.

The Apis bull was a sacred animal in ancient Egyptian religion, worshipped as a living manifestation of the god Ptah and later associated with Osiris and Ra. Regarded as an intermediary between the gods and humanity, the Apis bull was chosen based on specific physical characteristics, such as a black coat with unique white markings. Once identified, it was housed in a grand temple in Memphis, where it was treated with great reverence, adorned with jewellery, and participated in important religious ceremonies. Upon its death, the bull underwent elaborate mummification and burial rituals, symbolising its transition to the afterlife and its continued divine role. The cult of the Apis bull highlights the Egyptians’ deep connection to animals as symbols of divine power and their belief in the interconnectedness of the mortal and spiritual worlds.