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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:
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LOT 0828
Tel Brak Type Alabaster Eye Idol
Estimate £250 - 350€290 - 410 (for guidance only)$340 - 470 (for guidance only)
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Western Asiatic Stamp Seal with Lamashtu
Late 2nd-early 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
A stone stamp seal of truncated conical form, possibly chlorite or serpentine, with incise standing human-headed eagle to base, incused hatched lines in four directions to the top face; drilled for suspension. 8.4 grams, 22 mm
Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late S.M., thence by descent. -
Sumerian Cylinder Seal with Banqueting Scene
26th-24th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £191
A chalk cylinder seal with frieze; accompanied by an old scholarly note, handwritten and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Cylinder seal of white stone, 28x17 mm. Two facing seated drinkers, wearing long robes and holding up cups. Standing servant in short clothes between them. Vessel with pointed base and two straws in it. Mesopotamian, c.2600-2400 B.C.. Top of seal damaged, but design deep and clear.' In a different hand beneath 'Sumerian seal; early Dynastic Period III. Banquet scene. Manuscript of Prof. W.G. Lambert' and further notation to the reverse; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 7.2 grams, 28 mm
Fine condition.
From the private collection of Emilio Bacarani, Valbonne, France, 1950-1988. Acquired in 1988. From the collection of G.M.R.H., London, UK. Accompanied by an original handwritten unsigned scholarly note by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA. -
Sarmatian Gold Hinged Bracelet
2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,640
A substantial gold bangle with hinged clasp, composed of two conjoined oval-section hoops, gusseted loops to each terminal and closure pin. 65 grams, 85 mm wide
Acquired 1990s. London Mayfair gallery, UK. Ex Dutch collection, 2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11645-199207.
