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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'.
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AUCTIONS:
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Important Western Asiatic Royal Cuneiform Nail of King Lipit-Eshtar of Isin
Circa 1934-1924 B.C.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £750
The surviving fragment comprising a tapering cylindrical body and splayed head, bearing Akkadian text to both the head and stem. 793 grams, 10 cm
From an important collection pre 1988. Private collection, London, UK, 1990s-2000s. J.L. collection, Surrey, UK, 2000s.
This clay cone was inscribed with a dedication of Lipit-Eshtar, who ruled the city of Isin in southern Mesopotamia circa 1934-1924 B.C. This cone was probably created for the construction of a temple (the E-ninisa, 'House of Justice') at Namgarum. -
Western Asiatic Gold and Bead Pendant
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Composed of a lions' head body adorned with filigree scrolls, blue glass beads above and below. 1.55 grams, 28 mm
Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman. -
Sassanian Opaque Cut Glass Cup
Circa 4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
Of hemispherical form, decorated with four tiers of wheel-cut oval-shaped dimples. 269 grams, 10.4 cm wide
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
