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LOT 1355
Urartu Hematite Stamp Seal with Eagle and Lion
8TH-5TH CENTURY B.C.
7/8 in. (15.4 grams, 23 mm).
Columnar in form with hole for suspension, incuse running beast with bird in flight above; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenanceAcquired in 1993.
Private collection, thence by descent.
Private collection, since the late 1990s.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1355
Urartu Hematite Stamp Seal with Eagle and Lion
Estimate £300 - 400€350 - 460 (for guidance only)$410 - 540 (for guidance only)
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Bactrian Chlorite Vessel with Opposing Serpents
3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £9,100
With a frieze comprising an eagle with spread wings, two rearing lion-headed serpents above with open jaws; the bodies of the beasts with shallow sockets to accept inserts, some still present. 2.3 kg, 23 cm
with Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, Tel Aviv, 1960s. Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. London, UK, collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.12773-237879. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The chlorite stone vessels of early Bactria were kidney-shaped vessels with simple geometric decoration often representing snakes and other animals. Small cylindrical vases were used as cosmetic containers, together with chlorite cosmetic flasks. Interestingly the eyes and the bodies of the animals were destined to receive inlay, as can be seen on our specimen where some are still in situ. -
Sumerian Terracotta Cuneiform Tablet Section.
Ur III, 22nd-21st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
Trapezoidal in plan with impressed cuneiform text in columns. 26.39 grams, 50 mm
London, UK, art market, 1980s. From the collection of G.M.R.H., London, UK. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Achaemenid Heavy Gold Earring Pair
Circa 6th-4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
A matched pair of large earrings decorated with pomegranates on the outer edge, the crescentic body divided in transversal grooves representing the abdomen of a bee, with granulation on the inner and outer edge, a horizontal gold wire with circlets to the centre. 23.78 grams total, 38 mm each
From a private family collection formed since the early 19th century, thence by descent. Property of a New Zealand legal professional. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12326-223715. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Fruit were generally considered to be a symbol of sensuality, temptation and fertility; the giving and accepting of fruit may be regarded as a symbolic sexual act, or at least a prelude to marriage. It follows naturally that the pomegranate, with its innumerable fleshy seeds symbolising life and fecundity, was an attribute of Aphrodite.