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LOT 1298
Western Asiatic Agate Bull's Head Pendant
1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
1 5/8 in. (28.9 grams, 40 mm).
Finely carved as a stylised bull's head with short horns and bulbous eyes, incised nostrils and mouth, perforated at the back of the neck for suspension.
ProvenanceEx property of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1969-1999, thence by descent.
Accompanied by a previous typed cataloguing card.
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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Babylonian Head of Humbaba
900-700 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
Modelled in the half-round with hollow reverse; thick band of hair above the brow, small deep-set eyes, broad nose and mouth with three raised bands extending to a short beard; mounted on a custom-made stand. 128 grams total, 11.5 cm including stand
London art market, 1995. Private collection, Switzerland. Private collection, London. 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.12971-245208.
Humbaba (or Huwawa) was a demon of Mesopotamian legend, most famously described in the Epic of Gilgamesh. He was appointed by the god Enlil as the terrifying guardian of the Cedar Forest, a place of the gods. His grotesque features, with glaring eyes and monstrous expressions, were said to strike fear into anyone who saw him. Babylonian representations of Humbaba often emphasise this fierce appearance, with distorted facial traits designed to ward off evil. Such images could serve an apotropaic purpose, protecting people and places from harm, while also evoking one of the most memorable figures of Babylonian mythology. -
Western Asiatic Glass Vessel Collection
Circa 12th-14th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Including four miniature amphorae each with a ribbed collar to the neck, and a fifth with sealing wax at the mouth. 130 grams total, 9.2-14.2 cm
with Archaeologia, Switzerland, before 1983. Ex private North American collection. London private collection, 2016. -
Achaemenid Blue Glass Bead Necklace String
6th-4th century B.C. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £65
Restrung designer necklace string of tubular, oblate and other types with annular pendant centrepiece. 10.6 grams, 44 cm
London, UK, collection, 2000s.
