Western Asiatic Bronze Seal Matrix

With broad domed base, narrow neck, conical bowl with stepped rim. 703 grams, 84 mm high



From a collection formed before 1990. Ex Mayfair, London, UK, gallery, 2000s. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Each bell-shaped in profile with broad socket; underside with savage beast in profile, coiled to fit the tondo, with high-relief claws and head. 184 grams total, 49-51 mm



Private collection of a London gentleman, acquired between 1965-2020. 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.12781-239316. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

These intricate lion head appliqués offer a glimpse into the ancient artistry and symbolism of Khuzistan (Susiana). They are embodying the cultural reverence for lions as symbols of power and protection. These omphaloi could have been used as furniture decoration or on top of a religious staff or sceptre. The lion heads are common in Neo-Elamite art. The heads of our lions find good parallels with a gold bracelet with lion-head terminals from the Jubaji tomb (Wicks, pl.8).

Bifacial Master of Animals motif atop a collared tubular stem with flared foot; comprising two addorsed rams with their forelegs tied together; two addorsed birds standing on the rams' backs looking towards two birds' heads facing downwards and joined to slender crescentic boars with ridged backs and gaping mouths, each in the grip of the Master standing crowned between them; the Master with tubular body, animal-like ears, prominent nose above a small mouth and wearing collars, neck rings and tiered headdress; waisted socket below; mounted on a display stand. 930 grams total, 43 cm including stand



Acquired in Iran, 1967. Private collection, UK. 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 a search certificate number no.12824-241323. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

According to current knowledge, one type of Luristan standards consisted of two symmetrical animal figures standing upright on their hind legs and facing each other with an anthropomorphic character at the centre. Like the "zoomorphic standards", the "zoomorphic standards with a human head" and the "idols", this type has two faces, which means that it was conceived to be viewed from all sides.