Western Asiatic Carnelian Bead Necklace String

A finely modelled two-humped camel, shown in a dynamic pose, possibly in the act of kneeling and balancing its body weight on its bent back and front legs; mounted in a display frame. 245 grams total, 17.5 cm including frame



Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. Property of a London gentleman.

Camels were a symbol of wealth and well-being. The importance of the Bactrian camel is attested in the ancient sources. The two-humped Bactrian camel, object of many seal representations, was already widespread in North India during the first quarter of the 2nd millennium B.C. It was probably an Aryan introduction. The Mitanni came from Bactria and Margiana and maintained a close connection with their regions of origin, via Khorasan, as can be suggested by the presence of Bactrian camels on the Mitanni seals.

Figurine with large piriform head, standing nude holding a baby across her chest; with keeled nose and bulbous eyes, exaggerated lentoid mouth; the baby wrapped in covering, with pellet eyes; loop to rear of head. 29.9 grams, 61 mm



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

Plano-convex stamp seal with design of two crouching quadrupeds placed tête-bêche; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 37.4 grams, 40 mm



Acquired in Europe in 2002. European private collection.

The motifs have been created using a drill, hence the rounded appearance.