Western Asiatic Glass and Other Bead Necklace String

Barrel-shaped in profile with two lateral lugs below the rim. 812 grams, 10 cm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Substantial mottled green and tan weight with arched handle; repaired. 11.6 kg, 35.5 cm



with Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, Tel Aviv, 1968. Property of a London gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12261-218639.

Among the most iconic intercultural style objects are the so-called 'lock' or 'hand bag' weights. These were probably not weights at all, but were likely badges of high office, carried to indicate authority. Similar objects have been found throughout Mesopotamia, the islands of the Persian Gulf, on the Iranian steppe, as well as the Indus Valley.

Modelled in the round, front and back paws formed as a one block, pierced lug to the back. 57.5 grams, 57 mm



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

The lion was one of the most widely used symbols in Seljuk culture. They frequently used the word aslan, meaning lion, in the names of their Sultans and statesmen, such as Alparslan, "brave lion," Aslanshah, "lion king," and Aslandogmus, "lion born." Four of the Seljuk Sultans were named Kilicarslan, which combines the words for a sword and lion, and the interest in lions is clearly reflected in the art and architecture of the Seljuk period. Lion-head water spouts are to be found at a number of caravanserais, and lion statues guarded the portals to the city of Cardak Han in Anatolia, as well as carved onto the walls of the palace at Incir Han. The lion is also to be found on the coins of Sultan Giyaseddin II.