Western Asiatic Gold Butterfly Bead

The discoid bezel displaying a stylised flower head in relief, supported by a quadripartite hoop. 11.13 grams, 25.27 mm overall, 19.71 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)



Ex private collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.

Segmented disc with loop 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. 47 x 46 x 16 mm. This is round, with flat face and flat back, on which is mounted, not quite in the middle, a suspension loop. The design on the face, done in raised lines, consists of a kind of rosette; a central small circle with 'petals' and loops around it, within an outer rim. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2200-1800 B.C. The metal is in good condition and could be cleaned,[sic] The rim is a little worn.' 74 grams, 47 mm



From an important London, UK, collection, 1970s. Accompanied by a scholarly note by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology.

Of squat and carinated form with flared rim, loop handles with serrated thumb pads, incised chevrons with dashed fill around the upper body. 144 grams, 15 cm wide



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