Early Dynastic II, mid 3rd millennium B.C. A substantial torch bearer depicting a male lion or panther standing with legs firmly planted on a rectangular base, tail extending to the ground, with a massive circular shaped armature or candelabra issuing from its back and wearing an elaborate muzzle, the eyes retaining shell inlay with a circular hollow for the pupils; to the right of the beast a kneeling nude male wearing a large belt-armour and a diadem, eyes inlaid, left hand extended to the side and holding the lion's leash. Cf. a similar vessel stand with ibex support in the Metropolitan Museum, accession number 1974.190; Frankfort, H., More Sculpture from the Diyala Region, OIP 60, Chicago, 1943, pls.33-34, 55-57; 91,95; Carter, M.L., Goldstein, S., Harper, P.O., Kawami, T.S., Meyers, P., Splendours of the Ancient East, Antiquities from the al-Sabah collection, London, 2013, figs.1 and nos.1-2-3-4, for metal figures made in similar style; Prell, S., ‘Buckle up and fasten that belt! Metal belts in the early and Middle Bronze Age’ in Ägypten und Levante/Egypt and the Levant, vol.29 (2019), pp.303-330. 2.15 kg, 21 cm high (8 1/4 in.).

Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12043-216337.

The object belongs to a series of artefacts which attest the wide regional trade existing in the mid to late 3rd millennium B.C. in the Mesopotamian lands. Stands of this type were intended to hold offering bowls or lamps. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website]