Western Asiatic Squat Terracotta Chalice

Representing a god in short mantle and round cap with upturned brim, holding a mace in his left hand, before him a goddess standing in a horned crown and kaunakes, her hands raised in supplication; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 8.96 grams, 27 mm



Ex Mr J.K. collection, USA. Acquired from the above, 1997. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12581-232131.

The seals of the First Isin Dynasty were much more varied than those just preceding the Third Dynasty of Ur. Often the chief god - probably Shamash - is standing, and the 'introducing' goddess is facing him, while the worshipper is not pictured. The seals are a mine for the understanding of the old Babylonian costume. The tunic of the female goddess here is made of tufted material that the Greeks called kaunakes, the weave of which imitated the effect of the earlier sheepskin costumes.

Deeply engraved and showing two reclining quadrupeds with long necks, with two small reclining stags above, pellets on the field; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 4 grams, 24 mm



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

Restrung group of tabular, fusiform and other carnelian beads, including some glass beads, with granulated tubular gold collar spacers between. 45.5 grams, 55 cm



From the collection of a late Japanese gentleman, 1970s onwards.