Western Asiatic Rock Crystal Bead Necklace String

With cord and bead handles; 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: 'Cylinder Seal of lapis Lazuli, 23.5 x 9 mm. The design shows a seated deity to the right, raising one hand, while from the left an introducing goddess leads in a worshipper. The cutting is simple, but is identifiable as from the period of the Third Dynasty of Ur, c. 2100-2000 B.C., coming from southern Mesopotamia or a neighbouring area. The design is worn, but clearly visible. Lapis is a rare stone for this period.'; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 5.65 grams total, 8.1-23.5 mm



UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in July 1991. 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.

Columnar in form with frieze depicting a standing Lamma goddess in flounced robe facing towards a god wearing a pleated garment and holding a mace at his hip; disc-and-crescent motif above; behind, the storm-god Adad with one foot on a mound, wielding a lightning bolt in his raised hand. 11 grams, 25 mm



Private collection, Europe. with Bonhams, London, 22 April 1999, no.538. Acquired by the present owner from the above. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12538-232100. 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.

Comprising a square panel with a bull's head in low-relief, striated eyes and flaring nostrils, a thick tuft of hair arranged between the eyes, acanthus leaf between curved horns; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 2.18 kg total, 19.7 cm including stand



UK collection, 1990s. Acquired on the UK art market, before 2000. Private collection, Mr M.V., a London-based businessman. 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.

Along with the ibex, the bull is one of the most frequently represented animals in the sculpture found in the Arabian cemeteries, like Timna.