Western Asiatic Bead Necklace String

Distaff with spiral slot to the thicker end, separate domed whorl and tapering shank. 60 grams, 32 cm



Collected from 1969-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.

Spindle whorls are one of the most durable traces of textile craft in the archaeological record. They can be found in copious quantities and diverse types. Whorls in the shape of discs, cylinders and cones of clay, bone, stone and other more precious materials are widespread in all areas and periods, evidencing the skills of craftswomen engaged in textile production.

Carved in the round with gusseted rim, shallow bowl with carved hand and arm detail to each side and cruciform segmented bands to the underside; lion-head carved in the round to the rear with segmented mane, sockets to the eyes and gaping mouth with hole for pouring liquids through the tubular junction to the rear. 357 grams, 11.3 cm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, 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.12193-222189.

Flat bead formed from two sheets of gold, discoid with a trapezoidal spur to each end. 3.01 grams, 35 mm



From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.