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LOT 1365
Western Asiatic Glass and Silver Bead Necklace
1ST MILLENNIUM A.D. AND LATER
22 5/8 in. (94 grams, 57.5 cm).
Restrung, composed of brown oblate Indian glass beads with silver melon beads between; garnet and blue glass spool-shaped bead finials. [No Reserve]
ProvenancePreviously acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.
Ex property of a London, UK, gentleman.
Ex property of a Californian, USA, collector.
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AUCTIONS:
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Large Western Asiatic Gold Framed Turquoise Bead
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Comprising: turquoise cone with gold stud to centre and wire attachment to claw setting, loop to the underside and pendant leaf. 3.36 grams, 24 mm
From the collection of a late Japanese gentleman, 1970s onwards. -
Western Asiatic Glass Jug Pendant
10th-14th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With bulbous body and discoid base, thick loop, applied coloured inserts. 5.14 grams, 22 mm
From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., 1969-1999. -
Babylonian Head of Humbaba
900-700 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
Modelled in the half-round with hollow reverse; thick band of hair above the brow, small deep-set eyes, broad nose and mouth with three raised bands extending to a short beard; mounted on a custom-made stand. 128 grams total, 11.5 cm including stand
London art market, 1995. Private collection, Switzerland. Private collection, London. 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.12971-245208.
Humbaba (or Huwawa) was a demon of Mesopotamian legend, most famously described in the Epic of Gilgamesh. He was appointed by the god Enlil as the terrifying guardian of the Cedar Forest, a place of the gods. His grotesque features, with glaring eyes and monstrous expressions, were said to strike fear into anyone who saw him. Babylonian representations of Humbaba often emphasise this fierce appearance, with distorted facial traits designed to ward off evil. Such images could serve an apotropaic purpose, protecting people and places from harm, while also evoking one of the most memorable figures of Babylonian mythology.