Western Asiatic Turquoise-Coloured Stone Bead Necklace

Drum-shaped vessel with reserved frieze to the outer face: pairs of opposed snakes with bodies entwined; shallow socket to each of the eyes to accept an inlay panel. 2 kg, 18 cm wide



with Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, Tel Aviv, 1960s. Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. London, UK, collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.12772-237880.

The chlorite stone vessels of early Bactria were kidney-shaped vessels with simple geometric decoration or cylindrical like our specimen. Small cylindrical vases were used as cosmetic containers, together with chlorite cosmetic flasks.

With two winged monsters, accompanied by museum quality impressions and 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: 'Description of Stamp-Cylinder Seal of black stone, 31 x 14 mm. Sides: two winged monsters of slightly differing type; lunar crescent and other fillers, the design between rules. Base: winged quadruped. The stamp-cylinder is from the ancient Urartu, the area around lake Van, and dates c. 900-700 B.C. It has a pierced lug at the top which allows the base to be used as a stamp seal. Such monsters as are depicted are typical of Urartian art, not only of their seals. Condition very good.' 7.88 grams, 30 mm



UK private collection, acquired 1990-1993. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in 1987.

Carved in the round zebu with transverse piercing to the dorsal hump, shallow sockets at the eyes to accept inlay in contrasting colour. 30.9 grams, 44 mm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.