Central Asia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, & Transoxiana, Ghaznavid Dynasty, ca. 12th century CE. An incredible, rare example of Ghazni metalwork, made from 80% silver, in the form of an exquisite ram-sphinx with delicate incised motifs covering its body. This mythical creature features the magnificent, erect head of a ram with huge curled horns, two human-like breasts that project from its broad chest, and incised elaborate wings covered in feathers along its flanks. Other motifs are also incised on its body - round abstract symbols at the top of each leg, and more feather-like motifs along the neck, chest, and back. The body is wonderfully rounded and stands atop tapering column-like legs that end in flat nubs incised to resemble hooves. Another round symbol containing a many-petaled flower is on the back of the head. Size: 6.35" W x 7.4" H (16.1 cm x 18.8 cm); silver quality: 80%; 280 grams total weight

Ghaznavid rulers gathered immense wealth by raiding Indian cities and taking tribute from Indian rulers; indeed they are credited with bringing Islam to the Indian subcontinent. The silver that this ram is made from likely came from these activities, though the Ghaznavids also benefited from being at the crossroads of the Silk Road. Ghaznavid metalwork is little known, in part because many of the empire's remains are in modern day Afghanistan, whose recent history has prevented much archaeological research. Most of our knowledge of their artwork comes from the site of Lashkar-i Bazar, a walled royal suburb and series of grand of palaces built during the 12th century and destroyed by the Mongols in the early 13th. It was excavated by a French expedition in 1949-1951. There, marble reliefs, painted tiles, ceramics, and metalwork all reveal a fantastical, imaginative worldview populated by magical creatures like this ram-sphinx. Griffons, harpies, and sphinxes guarded the palace and the sultan. The round symbols on this figure's body correspond to others painted on the bodies of sphinxes and harpies on tiles - probably magical, protective signs whose origins date to Classical Persia.

See "Reflection of Ghaznavid Palace Decoration on Anatolian Seljuj Palace Decoration" by Gonul Oney, Turkey, 1975.

Provenance: private California, USA collection, purchased in a Los Angeles, California, USA antique store in the 1970s

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#149135

Piece shows repair running the entire length of the body where it was joined from two pieces. Restoration to the chest and inside of front legs. Slight bending to form as shown, notably on the horns. Motifs on body and form are overall well preserved.