Western Asiatic Gold Breast Cover

Openwork discoid seal with loop handle to the reverse; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 63x63x20 mm. This is round with flat face and flat back on which a handle of inverted U-shape is mounted on the back. The design is both compartmented and open-work. It shows a heraldic eagle in the middle: head up, wings spread, and tail feathers down, surrounded by a guilloche of nine spirals. The design is repeated by engraving on the back. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. The handle is worn, but otherwise it is in very good condition, and is a fine piece.' 63.6 grams, 64 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s.

Modelled in the round in the form of a lizard with a long arched neck, bulbous body and thick, curved, round-section tail; two guide-loops to the upper face. 128 grams, 13.2 cm



Acquired in the mid-1980s to early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.

The Luristan culture is best known for its remarkable metalwork, especially the finely cast bronzes created during the early first millennium B.C. These objects, such as weapons, horse fittings, and decorative plaques, show a strong artistic imagination, with bold shapes and lively animal designs. Although little is known about the people themselves, their metalwork had a lasting impact, and Luristan bronzes remain some of the most distinctive and admired artefacts from the ancient Near East.

With globular body and short cylindrical socket. 510 grams, 88 mm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990-2000s.