Western Asiatic Mixed Gold Bead Collection

With incuse human figures and a stag in a hunting scene; gold mount with loop. 5.18 grams, 27 mm



From a family collection formed 1900-1950; by descent circa 1980.

Rectangular carved furniture panel with raised frame above and below the central figure modelled in the half-round; the figure an advancing gryphon with head raised and wings spread, hair falling in three locks to the shoulder, tail raised; the wing with raised rims to the feathers forming cells to accept an inlay in contrasting colour; remains of tenons above and below; Phoenician style; mounted on a custom-made stand. 274 grams total, 10 cm wide including stand



Ex Florida collection, purchased from Kelekian, New York, prior to 1970. Acquired by the current owner from the above. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11971-209611.

The figure is shown with the head raised; the example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is very similar, is eating the flowers of a tiered papyrus plant. Many such plaques were manufactured in workshops at Nimrud, but some may have been plundered from the treasuries of defeated enemies.

Polished haematite cylinder with incuse frieze depicting a standing profile human figure in flounced kilt and mesh tunic brandishing a dagger towards a rearing ibex, with two smaller ovicaprids at his feet, bird above his shoulder; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 3.28 grams, 21 mm



From a Cotswold, UK, collection, item no.115; as seen and catalogued by the late Professor Wilfrid George Lambert pre 1990.

The late W.G. Lambert was Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham in the period 1970-1993.