Western Asiatic Bronze Seal Matrix with Altar

With thick hoop and opposed animal-heads to the reverse, large ellipsoid bezel with incuse winged bull motif. 34 grams, 30.15 mm overall, 22 x 20.4 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)



with Pierre Bergé & Associés, Paris, 23 April 2001, no.297 (part). Acquired by an important European family collection. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Pierre Bergé & Associés catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12055-213660.

Comprising twelve pendants, each formed as an open lotus blossom with the parts of the flower inlaid with different semiprecious stones: the pistil in red carnelian, stamens and the base of the flower in turquoise, and the outer petals in lapis lazuli; accompanied by a custom-made velvet-lined display case. 36.60 grams total, 18-26 mm (case: 1 kg total, 27.5 x 28 cm)



with a London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s. 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.12170-220647.

The wealth of the Persian Empire of the Achaemenids was proclaimed by the ancient writers: the Greeks described the fabulous riches known by hearsay to be in the royal treasures, and described the gold furniture, vessels and jewellery often seen during Hellenic contacts with this Eastern Empire. These elegant lotus-shaped pendants with their multicoloured stone inlays give us some idea of the personal ornamentation carried by the aristocratic Persian women.

With incised linear ornament and drilled pellets. 6.3 grams, 32 mm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector; collection no.22. London collection, 2016.