Western Asiatic Openwork Lion Incense Burner

The figure with two pierced ears and painted face detailing, neck ornamentation and arm bangles, continuing to the reverse; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 61 grams total, 13 cm high including stand



Ex UK collection formed in the 1980s. Acquired on the London art market. Accompanied by an Artemission, London SW5, certificate of authenticity.

Terracotta was a favoured material for the production of idols in the ancient Near East, the idols themselves representing deities, particularly goddesses that were connected to fertility. Such idols could even represent worshippers themselves. The Neo-Hittite civilisation, also known as the 'Syro-Hittite' civilisation, existed during the Iron Age in the areas that are now modern day northern Syria and Southern Anatolia. The Hittite empire collapsed around the 12th century B.C., an event which was proceeded by the decline of the Eastern Mediterranean trade networks, together with the fall of the major late Bronze Age cities in the Levant, Anatolia, and the Aegean.

Displaying a winged god standing left battling a winged quadruped, a large winged insect in the field above; drilled vertically for suspension; chipped; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 26.6 grams, 45 mm



From the 'S' collection, London, UK, 1970-1990s. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology in the 1980s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.202963.

Comprising three zebu bulls and four horned goats, mounted on a custom-made display base. 175 grams total, 88 x 75 mm including stand



with a London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s.