Western Asiatic Mixed Gold Bead Collection

Comprising beads of various shapes and sizes, including some granulated examples. 9.82 grams total, 7-13 mm



Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970s. Accompanied by a previous typed cataloguing card. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

With outstretched wings and erect body, open beak and eyes hollowed to accept inserts, five-feather spread tail and a rectangular socket to the back; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 430 grams total, 11 cm including stand



Béla Hein collection, Paris, France, before 1931. 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 a search certificate number no.12569-232077.

Béla Hein (1883-1931) was a prominent dealer and collector of African art in early 20th century Paris. In the early 1920s, he founded a gallery specialising in African art, contemporary sculpture, and a variety of curiosities, including antiquities. Hein's influence extended across the art world, and his collection reflected a keen eye for both historical and aesthetic significance.

Carved in the round zebu with transverse piercing to the dorsal hump, shallow sockets at the eyes to accept inlay in contrasting colour. 30.9 grams, 44 mm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.