Sold
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A Fine Mesopotamian Eye Idol.
Red Quartzite.
Northern Mesopotamia.
Circa 3200 BC.
Provenance:
Sold Pierre Berge, Paris, 27th - 28th October 2006, lot 484; property of a Private Foundation.
Ex Rupert Wace Ancient Art Ltd, 2018.
Ex Private collection.
Literature: A larger terracotta version is in the Louvre, Paris (collection number AO30002).
Carved from a red quartzite, the body of flattened bell shaped form, topped with a pair of ‘oversized eyes’ formed of two hollow rings.
So-named for the disproportionate size of the ‘eyes’ and the eye imagery found in the decoration of the temple of Tel Brak where many were found, these simple but beautiful idols represent the human figure.They were left as votive offerings in the temple, probably intended to symbolise the donor dedicating their offering in thanks or appeal to the gods. Their simple abstraction lends them a ‘contemporary’ and ‘modern’ feel.
Dimensions
3.5cm high, 3cm wide, 2cm deep - 1½ ins high, 1¼ ins wide, ¾ ins deepThe BADA Standard
- Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
- Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
- Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
- Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
- Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
