Loading, please wait...
LOT 0262
Western Asiatic Alabaster Standing Bull
SABAEAN, 3RD-1ST CENTURY B.C.
5 1/2 in. (1.14 kg, 14 cm wide).
Carved in the round with integral rectangular base; of sturdy build with thick shoulders, rump and legs; latticed hair texture to the brow.
ProvenanceMrs Janssens, Belgium, formed during the 1970s.
Private collection, London, UK.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12980-245246.
See for the type Seipel, W. (ed.), Jemen – Kunst und Archäologie im Land der Königin von Saba, Wien, 1998, No. 306 and No. 419.
FootnotesIn Sabaean religion, the bull signalled strength, fertility, and divine protection, and is often linked by scholarship with the moon-god Almaqah, the principal deity of the kingdom. Small alabaster figures of this type were likely set up as temple offerings or served as fittings within cultic furnishings; flat undersides or discreet mounting points on some examples suggest attachment to a larger ensemble.
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.
LOT 0262
Western Asiatic Alabaster Standing Bull
Estimate £3,000 - 4,000€3,480 - 4,640 (for guidance only)$4,050 - 5,400 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£1,500 (EUR 1,740; USD 2,025) +BP*
-
Old Syrian White Marble Cylinder Seal with Animals
Circa 2700-2400 B.C.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
With two rows of zoomorphic figures and restrung red round beads at each end; supplied with a typed and signed scholarly note by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970- 1993, which states, 'Cylinder Seal of White Marble, 20 x 10 mm. The surface is divided into two registers by a guilloche across the middle. In the upper register there are five animal protomes: at the rear a lion, then four different horned animals, each shown with one front paw. A complete scorpion serves as a terminal. In the lower register are also five animal protomes, but facing the opposite direction to those above. At the rear is a stag, then a lion, and in front of it three distinguished horned animals. A lizard serves as a terminal in this case. This is an Old Syrian seal, c. 2700-2400 B.C., and in fine condition. The engraving is deeply done and gives a sharp, clear impression. Other seals of this type are known, but are rare.' 4.73 grams total, seal: 20.1 mm
Acquired on the French auction market. Accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1992. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Hand Holding Ring Amulet Pair
Late 1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Matching pair modelled as hands holding a large loop, ribbed cuffs and a small suspension loop above the wrist. 4.64 grams total, 28 mm each
London gentleman's collection, 1970-1990s, by descent. -
Western Asiatic White Stone Bead Necklace String
Circa 1st millennium B.C. and laterEstimate: £50 - 70 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Composed mainly of oblate, annular and other beads, restrung. 6.4 grams, 36 cm
Acquired on the UK art market since the 1990s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman; thence by descent.
