Western Asiatic Gold Ring with Ornament and Pearl

Rectangular plaque with slightly flared ends, raised border and mounting hole to each corner; crenellation to inner edge of upper border; twelve lines of dense inscription in raised relief, reading in translation: 'Yin'am and his brother, along with their sons, the Banu Rasham, have dedicated this to their god LBNH, the bull of M'RBN, in his sanctuary at Sim'ân. This inscription is a divine ordinance that he has commanded for them on his property, for their wellbeing and the wellbeing of all they have acquired and will acquire. May LBNH increase their prosperity, favour, health, and strength, and may evil, wrong, ill-will, injustice, WTRKS, and 'W/'F of enemies, both far and near, be kept away from them.' 13.4 kg total, 29 cm including stand



German private collection, acquired in 1980. with Christie’s, New York, 4 June 2008, no.93. Acquired by the present owner at the above sale. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12416-225770.

Hollow-formed on a D-shape footprint, kneeling figure in striped robe draped around the body, arms held across the chest and abdomen with exposed hooves; arched neck with parcel-gilt bull's head and small goatee beard; suspension loop to rear of neck. 27.2 grams, 56 mm



Acquired by the previous owner on the London art market in the 1980s and kept in London. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12413-225443.

Comprising a round-section shank and with the tapered ends wound about the shank; partly absent. 36.5 grams, 74 mm



UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.