Western Asiatic Bronze Bowl

Composed mainly of annular beads interspersed with barrel-shaped beads, restrung to a Y-shape. 12.27 grams, 30.6 cm



From London, UK, gallery collection, 1990s.

Comprising a round-section swivel ring set with a carved Apis bull depicted recumbent with its head turned to the right. 4.71 grams, 27.98 mm overall, 19.07 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12939-245988.

The Apis bull was a sacred animal in ancient Egyptian religion, worshipped as a living manifestation of the god Ptah and later associated with Osiris and Ra. Regarded as an intermediary between the gods and humanity, the Apis bull was chosen based on specific physical characteristics, such as a black coat with unique white markings. Once identified, it was housed in a grand temple in Memphis, where it was treated with great reverence, adorned with jewellery, and participated in important religious ceremonies. Upon its death, the bull underwent elaborate mummification and burial rituals, symbolising its transition to the afterlife and its continued divine role. The cult of the Apis bull highlights the Egyptians’ deep connection to animals as symbols of divine power and their belief in the interconnectedness of the mortal and spiritual worlds.

With animals and figures; accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Cylinder Seal of Hematite. 24 x 10 mm. The design is based on the principle of symetry. In the centre are two reared-up composite animals: bodies of quadrupeds, but wings and heads of birds. Beneath them is a human figure on one knee, nude save for belt around the waist, holding out both hands, each hand over a bird. To either side of this group is a standing man, in short kilt, the one on the right holding one hand at the waist, holding down the other. The one on the left is raising one hand but holding down the other. Above the scene is a vulture with wings spread, and to each side of it a scorpion above a 'flying saucer'. A geometrical figure (two triangles with points meeting) alone straddles the division of the scene. This is a Mitanni seal, c. 1500-1200 B.C., from any part of the area from the eastern Mediterranean to Kurdistan. It is an unusual design, and fine quality work. The piece is in good state of preservation.'; accompanied by a museum quality impression and a pair of red stone beads. 7.98 mm, 24 mm



Private collection, London, UK. Accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993.