Western Asiatic Bronze Decorated Bowl

Comprising: bifacial soapstone block fragment with incised roundel of a nimbate head with pouring channel, vent and locating hole, reverse similar with roundel of two opposed figures with fronds between, both faces with portions of other designs; larger rectangular block with pouting channel vent and two locating holes, roundel with rosette design. 59 grams total, 29-44 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

The bow decorated with circumferential grooves, one arm ending with the partially preserved wire coil; the catchplate in the form of a hand engraved with an X; accompanied by a display frame with information ticket. 186 grams total, 10 x 10.3 cm including frame



Ex Robin Symes Gallery, London, UK, 1990s. From a Leicestershire, UK, collection.

Fibulae with triangular bows (type 3 of Curtis classification) were the most common in Assyria. At least 66 bronze examples have been found at Nimrud, 32 in the graves and tombs at Ashur, 14 at Kouyunjik (some of them represented only by fragments), three at Nebbi Yunus, six at Khorsabad, three at Sharif Khan, all fragmentary, and single examples at Tell Billa and Tell al Rimah.

Donut-shaped and drilled vertically to accommodate a wooden shaft. 328 grams, 69 mm



Ex London, UK, gentleman's collection, 1990s.