Western Asiatic Jar with Dolphins

A bronze calotte-shaped cauldron or basin with collared rectangular handles featuring scalloped grips along the upper edges, a pair of stylised bird of prey protomes beneath each, talons drawn up to their chests, bulging eyes, prominent hooked beaks, wings spread and fan-shaped tails. 679 grams, 23.5 cm wide



Ex Maurice Braham, 1970s. London collection, 1990s. Accompanied by previous typed and illustrated catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11640-199105.

A rare object. The limited number of parallels feature birds of a more schematic style. Only four published parallel cauldrons with bird protomes are known to exist. Given the quality of the ornament, such basis may have been used by members of the elite in Iron Age Iranian society, although their exact functions remains unclear. One 'orientalised' Etruscan bronze cauldron was found used as a cremation vessel, placed in a tumulus and associated with a localised 'heroic' burial context. Other feasible uses include high status drinking vessels or symbols of rank.

An agate stamp seal with slightly convex base bearing intaglio scene of a worshipping king standing left, a star above; pierced towards the apex for suspension. 11.68 grams, 22.09 mm



Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.

A polished haematite duck weight, the animal modelled with its head resting along its back. 33 grams, 42 mm wide



Acquired 1980s-1990s. H.N.collection, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, UK.