Western Asiatic Clothing Pin Group

Jar with slightly tapering cylindrical sidewall, flared rim to the mouth; incised hatched band to the shoulder and four pierced lugs. 1.02 kg, 11.7 cm wide



with Gwain McKinley, London, 1980s. Acquired from the above, 1993. Private European collection, thence by family descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12125-218132.

The top section of a foundation cone from the reign of Ur-Nammu, with domed face, the side inscribed with columns of cuneiform text; from the Ziggurat at Ur, in the Third Dynasty. 108 grams, 48 mm



Previously from the estate of a West Sussex, UK, collector. From a collection acquired from various auction houses in the UK. From the estate of Mr R.W., a private Wiltshire, UK, collector; thence by descent.

Votive cones are one type of royal foundation deposit, objects that were buried in the walls and beneath the floors of important buildings during construction to sanctify the site and to create a historical memory of the ruler and his achievements. Among Ur-Nammu‘s military exploits were the conquest of Lagash and the defeat of his former masters at Uruk. He was also responsible for ordering the construction of a number of ziggurats, including the Great Ziggurat of Ur. He was killed in a battle against the Gutians after he had been abandoned by his army.

Of squat profile with rounded rim, two latera; stub handles and band of pointillé ornament below the rim. 1.21 kg, 29.5 cm wide



From an important collection of terracotta pre 1988, London and Geneva.