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LOT 1125
Western Asiatic Gold Pendant with Banded Agate Bead
8TH CENTURY B.C.
1 in. (1.05 grams, 23 mm).
Comprising a barrel-shaped banded agate bead suspended vertically with a loop and collar above; a gold fusiform pendant below.
ProvenanceFrom a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
LiteratureCf. Flourentzos, P., Vitobello, M.L., ‘The Phoenician gold jewellery from Kition, Cyprus’ in Archeo-sciences, 33, 1999, pp.143-149, fig.12, for similar elements from a necklace.
FootnotesThe pendant structure shows affinities with three beads of a necklace from Kition (MLA 1742/34, 6, 7) made of high carat gold-alloy, and obtained by joining two hemispheres, each one embossed out of thick plate. The upper hemisphere is pierced at the top, where a small round suspension loop is inserted and fused.
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AUCTIONS:
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Western Asiatic Gold Gem-Set Earrings
2nd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Comprising two diamond-section penannular hoops with loops; each with three granulated pyramids to the lower edge; the centre of the hoop with a triple-cell set with one green and two red glass (?) gems with granulated outer edges, flanked by two teardrop-shaped cells set with a red glass (?) gem. 2.76 grams total, 19-21 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. -
Mesopotamian Alabaster Lenticular Necklace Bead Group
Circa 3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Comprising a quantity of disc-shaped beads, each pierced for stringing. 53 grams total, 3-10 cm
UK gallery, early 2000s.
While slaves and the poorest people wore simple, functional clothes, the wealthiest classes of Mesopotamia could afford beautifully made jewellery. The royal tombs from Sumeria dating from around 2500 B.C. included an abundance of beaded necklaces, rings, bracelets for the wrist and ankles, stickpins, and other jewellery, made of gold and silver set with decorative gemstones such as deep blue lapis lazuli, red carnelian, white alabaster, and sparkling crystals. In the Lugale-Mythos the Alabaster is personified like a hero: ‘(And) the hero Alabaster, these heroes plundered the cities for him (= Asag)’. The hematite and the limestone/alabaster, two stones with a light and dark base colour, were used as aids in a divinatory ritual in which they were probably connected with the favourable and unfavourable answers to oracle inquiries. -
Levant 'Cocked Hat' and Pinched Oil Lamp Group
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Group of three oil lamps, each hemispherical with pinched and folded profile. 733 grams total, 11.6-16 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.
