Western Asiatic Bronze Bird Seal Matrix with Cross and Pellets

Restrung and comprising mainly spherical, elongated ovals, oblates, and segmented tube shapes. 224 grams, 54 cm long (1.5 kg total, 24.2 x 24.2cm including case)



Numismatic and Ancient Art Gallery AG, Ancient Art of the Mediterranean World, No 8, lot 5, c.1982. Taisei Gallery, Gold & Silver Auction, Part II, Ancient to Renaissance, 5 November 1992, The Conrad Salon, The Waldorf-Astoria, New York, lot 39. From an important North West London collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11970-210480.

A Nabataean or Hellenistic libation table with drum-shaped body and four stub legs ending in bovine hooves; circumferential bands of egg-and-dart ornament, ropework ornament to the rim, dished upper face to accept votive offerings. 19.2 kg, 25 cm



Ex Paris collection. French gallery, Paris, 1990-2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11927-209636.

Rooms in Greek and Roman houses were largely devoid of furniture, and instead more emphasis was given to the display of works of art: mosaic floors, wall paintings, and freestanding bronze and marble sculpture. However, domestic altars have been found in various Greek and Roman houses (especially in Pompeii). This unusual small table with its elaborate support was likely to have been used to deposit fruit, sweets and other types of small gifts as offerings. Such tables were used in all the Greek and provincial Roman world, even by the Nabataean Arabs during the Roman period.

Comprising various types, including examples decorated with painted geometric motifs; some chipped. 2.36 kg total, 7.9-14 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.