Loading, please wait...
LOT 0962
Tel Brak Type Alabaster Eye Idol
CIRCA 3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
1 5/8 in. (33.5 grams, 43 mm).
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.
-
Mesopotamian Clay Cuneiform Tablet Fragment
Circa 2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Bearing text to one face; the tablet roughly semi-circular in plan with a plano-convex cross-section. 48.9 grams, 43 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. -
Luristan Bronze Fantastic Animal Terminal
13th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Comprising a ring surmounted by a facing ibex head with the horns extending to two beast-heads emerging from the sides of the ring; small retaining ledge to the reverse; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 78 grams, 89 mm (224 grams total, 11.4 cm high including stand)
Fine condition.
Acquired 1990s. From an important Paris gallery, France. Ex Parisian collection.
This piece likely formed part of a horse harness. -
Ur III Cuneiform Clay Tablet
3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £936
Small pillow-shaped tablet with crisp cuneiform text to two broad faces and one edge. 24.6 grams, 34 mm
From an important collection pre 1988. J.L. collection, Surrey, UK, 2000s.
