Western Asiatic Polished Bronze Bowl

Piriform body with raised rim around the filler hole and volute nozzle, linear decoration to the discus, low basal ring. 51.8 grams, 85 mm



From a collection of lamps from a late Scottish gentleman, 1970-1990s.

Carved in the round with flared base, addorsed faces of the demon with suspension lug above. 50.24 grams, 44 mm



UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK.

The figure described as the 'King of Wind Demons' is commonly identified with Pazuzu, a well-known demon in Assyrian and Babylonian tradition. Despite his fearsome appearance, often shown with a canine face, bulging eyes, a scaly body, and wings, Pazuzu was not simply a malevolent force. He was understood as the ruler of the winds, particularly the hot, destructive winds from the desert, but was also invoked for protection. Most notably, Pazuzu was believed to ward off the demon Lamashtu, who threatened pregnant women and infants. Small amulets and pendants bearing his image were therefore worn or placed in domestic spaces as protective devices. Objects such as this pendant belong to that world of everyday belief, where the boundary between danger and protection was fluid, and where even a demon could serve an apotropaic role.

Penannular body with keeled upper face and a central rectangular plaque flanked by bands of scrolls and linear motifs, finials formed as beast heads with large ears and slender muzzles. 38.6 grams, 64 mm



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