LOT 0419

Western Asiatic Pre-Achaemenid Gilt Silver Jar

7TH-6TH CENTURY BC

3 1/4" (200 grams, 84mm).

A silver spherical body with flared rim, applied decoration to the outer face comprising of flower discs, columns and palmettes; accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G.Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Ancient Iranian Silver vessel, 8.5 x 8.7 mm. This is a bowl hammered from sheet metal. It has a rounded bottom and the sides rise and flare out to the maximum width before flaring in more sharply to the beginning of the outcurving rim. The outside is highly decorated, with a central rosette on the base, above it a band of eight rosettes, then above that a band of 12 rosettes. Nest is a band of 19 stylized thistle flowers and finally, below the neck, is a band of 18 items, perhaps stylized trees. The neck is decorated with a narrow band of two horizontal lines with groups of short vertical strokes. This comes from north-west Iran and is in a style which can be dated to c. 600 B.C. from comparison with inscribed vessels. It is from a short-lived dynasty founded shortly after the fall of Assyrian in 612 B.C. and before the Medes firmly took over this area. It is an important piece for its fine and varied decoration, all items of which are parcel-gilt.'

Property of a London gentleman; formerly with Christie's, London, UK, lot 184, 26 April 2012; previously part of a family collection since the 1970s. Accompanied by a positive X-Ray Fluorescence metal analysis certificate.