Western Asiatic Bronze Ring Group

Comprising a large quantity of variously shaped beads in lapis lazuli, carnelian, agate, glass and other materials. 87.1 grams total, 2-21 mm



UK gallery, early 2000s.

Glass is the premier bead material. Invented in the Middle East around 2500 B. C., glass making spread slowly. There are mainly two types of beads, drawn beads (when the tubes are cut in a short segments, which are usually agitated over heat to smooth off the sharp edges) or wound beads (made by wrapping molten glass around a rock, stick or wire. Once the bead is built up, it can be further pressed or paddled into shape, placed in a mold, or decorated with other colours of glass.

Openwork discoid seal with anthropomorphic motif; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze. 57x59x17 mm. This is round, with flat compartmented and open-work face. The back has a stout suspension loop. The design on the face is of a standing creature -- human with bird's head -- and filling shapes. This comes from West Central Asia and dates to c. 2300-1900 B.C. It is a rare design and the seal is in fair condition: some of the edge of the plain outer band is lost.' 53 grams, 58 mm



Ex Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection number Y-905, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s.

Hollow-formed with rattle inside, D-shaped in section with running zigzag to each lateral face, raised transverse crests with punched annulet, rosette and other ornament. 61 grams, 91 mm



UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.