Western Asiatic Miniature Schist Vessel

D-shaped in profile with a round-section loop; obverse with a reserved scene of two lions with hatched detailing to the fur advancing towards a small quadruped placed perpendicular to them; reverse with a median eagle with wings extended and feather detailing, flanked by rearing serpents and a scorpion; mounted on a custom-made stand. 6.25 kg total, 28.3 cm high including stand



with Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, Tel Aviv, 10 November 1969. Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. London, UK, collection. Accompanied by a copy of an original invoice from Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, 10 November 1969. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13246-252973.

Among the most iconic intercultural style objects are the so-called 'lock' or 'handbag' weights. They have been found in a variety of different colourful stones, such as breccia, chlorite, fossiliferous limestone, calcite and onyx. At the beginning, these objects were probably not weights at all, but were likely badges of high office, carried to indicate authority. Similar objects have been found throughout Mesopotamia, the islands of the Persian Gulf, on the Iranian steppe, and in the Indus Valley.

Depicting a stylised face with grooved hair and small ring-and-dot eyes, a wide nose and slit mouth. 11.6 grams, 22.2 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Framed and glazed and displaying polychrome figural scenes bordered by flowering plants and panels of script: one depicting a tea(?) ceremony set in a landscape featuring blossoming trees and birds; a prince or other figure seated on a bolster, in a landscape featuring a brook and blossoming trees, surrounded by attendants. 932 grams total, 31 x 21.5 cm each



Acquired by the vendor's father on the UK art market, before 1990.