Western Asiatic Stone Ladybird Amulet

Modelled in the round, with humped shoulder and downturned horns. 60 grams, 83 mm



Private collection Mr S.A., acquired in 1991. Thence by descent.

The figurine was modelled simplistically and only the presence of a hump and horns makes it possible to identify the animal as a zebu, which was common in the prehistoric Mesopotamian world. Similar figurines, which reproduced animals and humans, are typical of Amorite art, named after a group of semi-nomadic populations who lived in the north-western part of the Near East in the 3rd and 2nd millennium B.C. From the 20th century B.C., the incursions and armed pressure that the Amorites exerted on the kingdom of Ur overthrew the existing dynasties and created several kingdoms throughout Mesopotamia whose dynasties retained a strong attachment to their original culture.

A rectangular section with fourteen columns of cuneiform text mentioning the foundation of a temple by Nebuchadnezzar II, translating as 'King of Babylon provisioner of Esagil and Ezida prime son of Nabopolassar, King of Babylon and Ebabbara, the temple of Shamash in Larsa..[...]; mounted in a custom-made velvet lined display frame. 3.07 kg total, 46 x 36.3 cm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

The construction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the destruction of Jerusalem's temple are ascribed to Nebuchadnezzar II. He is featured in the Book of Daniel and is mentioned in several other books of the Bible.

Including bowl with carinated profile, bulbous painted jar and other items. 2.7 kg total, 12 cm wide -14 cm high



Ex London, UK, gallery, 1980s. From a UK private collection.