Western Asiatic Alabaster Vessel with Lug Handles

A late Kushan or Hephthalites Dynasty discoid pendant with a female deity, possibly Nana, at the centre holding a lotus flower in her right hand, hair elaborately dressed and wearing large earrings, necklace and bracelets; enclosed by a border of stylised bull heads and a double-plaited border, the outer edge with raised bosses; later applied polygonal suspension loop with granulated collars and an oval garnet cabochon. 22.11 grams, 71 mm



Acquired by a Swiss family in the mid-1980s to late 1990s, thence by descent. Private collection, Switzerland, since the late 1990s. 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.13021-246776.

Nana (Kushan Greek: Νανα, Ναναια, Ναναϸαο, Sogdian Nni) was a Bactrian female deity, a variation of the pan-Asian Nana, a fusion of the Sumero-Babylonian Inanna-Ishtar with a local deity, in her Kushan form with the local (Zoroastrian) Harakhvati Aredvi Sura Anahita. Such syncretism was common among Kušan deities. She was an important patron deity in the Kushan Empire and the most important deity worshipped by Emperor Kaniška (c. 127-150 A.D.).

Reversible type in olive green with bands of floral and geometric embroidered designs, and plain brown cloth. 1.8 kg, 1.18 m long



Private collection, UK.

Formed as a standing figure cradling an infant; stylised facial and anatomical detailing; openwork cage structure and suspension loop to the reverse of the head. 58.6 grams, 91 mm



Ex Samuel Dubiner (1914-1993), Canada, a prominent businessman, arts patron, and one of the world's most distinguished collectors of Bronze Age and Iron Age Iranian art, including Amlash material. Acquired by the current owner from the above, circa 1985-1995.