Western Asiatic Gold and Bead Pendant

In the form of a stylised sheep, composed of an ovoid body with integral tail, shallow neck to the vessel opening and animal's neck and head with horns curled around its ears, pricked eyes and muzzle formed as pouring spout. 248 grams, 14.7 cm wide

Fine condition.

Acquired 1970s-1990s. Ex Pars Gallery, Mayfair, London, UK. From a specialist collection of pottery.

Vessels of this type likely served a ceremonial function and were often ritually deposited in graves.

The figure with two pierced ears and painted face detailing, neck ornamentation and arm bangles, continuing to the reverse; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 61 grams total, 13 cm high including stand



Ex UK collection formed in the 1980s. Acquired on the London art market. Accompanied by an Artemission, London SW5, certificate of authenticity.

Terracotta was a favoured material for the production of idols in the ancient Near East, the idols themselves representing deities, particularly goddesses that were connected to fertility. Such idols could even represent worshippers themselves. The Neo-Hittite civilisation, also known as the 'Syro-Hittite' civilisation, existed during the Iron Age in the areas that are now modern day northern Syria and Southern Anatolia. The Hittite empire collapsed around the 12th century B.C., an event which was proceeded by the decline of the Eastern Mediterranean trade networks, together with the fall of the major late Bronze Age cities in the Levant, Anatolia, and the Aegean.

Comprising glass, shell and stone beads of cylindrical, oblate, spherical and other types. 89 grams total, 2-15 mm



Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman.