Western Asiatic Rock Crystal Zoomorphic Amuletic Bead (No reserve price)

05
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20
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53
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Starting bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Peter Reynaers
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Selected by Peter Reynaers

Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.

Estimate  € 150 - € 200
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Western Asiatic Zoomorphic Amuletic Bead, carved from rock crystal, dating to circa 2nd–1st millennium BC, in good condition, dimensions approximately 1.4 cm long by 0.9 cm high, pierced at the base for suspension.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

A Western Asiatic amuletic bead carved from rock crystal in the shape of an animal. The bead is composed of a rounded body with a flat base, from which the neck or the upper body of the animal curves upwards with the head raised. The facial features are rendered in a stylised manner, with two rounded protrusions representing its ears and a rounded muzzle. The amulet is pierced through the the base of the rounded body for suspension. On the back there is a chip and discolouration surrounding that area. A hairline crack to the base and the side of the amulet.

On top of gold, stones such as carnelian, turquoise or rock crystal were used for jewellery. In particular, the latter was appreciated for its delicate transparency, and further used in objects such as vessels or tools. Representations of animals comprised a large portion of the Ancient Near Eastern artistic repertoire. Specifically, images of wild animals and creatures considered dangerous or powerful appear in all periods of ancient Near Eastern art, dating back to the Neolithic period.

Measurements: (circa) L 1.4cm x H 0.9cm

Provenance: Ex S.M. Collection, London, Mayfair, acquired 1970s-90s.

N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**

Seller's Story

N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE. ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price. Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees. Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images. The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

A Western Asiatic amuletic bead carved from rock crystal in the shape of an animal. The bead is composed of a rounded body with a flat base, from which the neck or the upper body of the animal curves upwards with the head raised. The facial features are rendered in a stylised manner, with two rounded protrusions representing its ears and a rounded muzzle. The amulet is pierced through the the base of the rounded body for suspension. On the back there is a chip and discolouration surrounding that area. A hairline crack to the base and the side of the amulet.

On top of gold, stones such as carnelian, turquoise or rock crystal were used for jewellery. In particular, the latter was appreciated for its delicate transparency, and further used in objects such as vessels or tools. Representations of animals comprised a large portion of the Ancient Near Eastern artistic repertoire. Specifically, images of wild animals and creatures considered dangerous or powerful appear in all periods of ancient Near Eastern art, dating back to the Neolithic period.

Measurements: (circa) L 1.4cm x H 0.9cm

Provenance: Ex S.M. Collection, London, Mayfair, acquired 1970s-90s.

N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**

Seller's Story

N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE. ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price. Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees. Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images. The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

Details

Culture
Western Asiatic
Century/ Timeframe
Circa 2nd-1st Millennium BC
Name of object
Zoomorphic Amuletic Bead
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
1990
Material
Rock Crystal
Country acquired from
Unknown
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
United KingdomVerified
8453
Objects sold
100%
protop

Disclaimer

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

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