Western Asiatic Mixed Bead Necklace

Haematite with a bull-man holding a rearing ibex, a naked bearded male facing frontally and holding a goat upside down, a naked bearded male facing frontally holding a rearing human-headed bull with long beard. 23.9 grams, 26 mm



From an important London collection, formed before 1990. From a collection acquired from various auction houses in the UK. From the estate of Mr R.W., a private Wiltshire, UK, collector; thence by descent.

Modelled in the round with tight-fitting robe and carefully detailed tiered hairstyle; right hand raised to support a chalice; peg beneath the feet; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 301 grams total, 11 cm including stand



Acquired on the French art market. 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.

Iberian statuettes from 6th century B.C. were produced under the influence of Greeks and Phoenicians. Small votive offerings of priests, priestesses, and deities in bronze, were found everywhere in Spain. The body of these figurines is often reduced to a rectangular plaque, but the head, as in all these types, is of plastic work, a process which reminds the prehistoric terracottas from the Argive Heraeum and elsewhere. The curve of the nose, which gives the face a Semitic appearance, is not accidental, and underlines the Phoenician influence.

Squat in profile with rounded underside and inturned rim, loop handle and tubular spout, long tripod legs. 1.75 kg, 36.5 cm



Ex Mayfair gallery, London, UK, 1980s. From a private collection, London, UK.