Loading, please wait...
LOT 0828
Tel Brak Type Alabaster Eye Idol
CIRCA 3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
1 5/8 in. (33.5 grams, 43 mm).
A Tel Brak type creamy alabaster anthropomorphic eye idol, possibly of figurative female form, carved with a bell-shaped body, two 'breasts', remains of openwork 'eyes' above.
ProvenanceAcquired 1969-1999.
London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.
A classic artefact type from ancient Mesopotamia. Likely hand-carved using drills and string cutting. Eye idols were so named in the 1930s by the British archaeologist Max Mallowan. Whilst excavating a mound called Tel Brak, he discovered hundreds of anthropomorphic items of similar form, thus naming the mound 'Temple of the Eyes'.
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.
LOT 0828
Tel Brak Type Alabaster Eye Idol
Estimate £250 - 350€290 - 410 (for guidance only)$340 - 470 (for guidance only)
-
Achaemenid Silver Ring with Warriors
7th-4th century B.C.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £110
A silver finger ring with scaphoid bezel, incuse image of an armoured warrior with shield and spear, a horseman and a hatched gate or wall. 4.12 grams, 25.84 mm overall, 21.41 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Kingdom of Larsa Cuneiform Tablet for Food Distribution in Ubar-iltum
18th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
A large portion of a pillow-shaped clay tablet, bearing cuneiform text to one face and side edge, relating to food distribution in Ubar-iltum, Maši depending on the service of Adalšenni etc. Kingdom of Larsa (?). 55 grams, 45 mm
Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992. 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 early 1990s. This small collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. -
Amlash Figure of Fertility
Circa 13th-12th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £635
A copper-alloy fertility figure with openwork decoration, loop arms suspending pendants formed as slender figurative horned animals; suspension loop to reverse and cage-style torso; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 47 grams, 91 mm (78 grams total, 10 cm including stand)
Fine condition.
Acquired before 1983.mj Ex London gallery, 1990s.
