AN IMPORTANT AND RARE NEO-ASSYRIAN ROCK CRYSTAL VESSEL

Circa 800-600 BC. The ancient vessel of rock crystal is cut and hollowed out from a big piece of solid rock crystal. The vessel has a rounded base, and the sides rise and flare outwards to the shoulder, on which are two lugs, one each side, pierced for suspension. The neck narrows in above the lugs and then flares out to the lip, which is plain. Though undecorated, this is a perfect example of ancient craftsmen's skills, rock crystal being one of the hardest stones on which they worked on. Pieces of this size are virtually unknown, especially in view of its purity. Ancient Assyria has provided the closest parallels, though even the royal tombs of Nimrud have only smaller vessels of this type and material. The evidence and the parallels points to ancient Assyria as the source. Very fine condition and attractive piece. With a G. Lambert signed certificate and descriptive note and with a CIRAM Analysis Certificate. For parallels see: "A Neo-Assyrian amethyst vase of ovoid form, with short cylindrical neck and overhanging disc rim, the mouth flat with a descending step framing the central opening, the interior hollowed out, with two trapezoidal lugs on the shoulders, drilled horizontally for suspension". Size: L:110mm / W:90mm; 815g. Provenance: UK, private collection. The piece was purchased by Mr. Alex Cotton of Brockenhurst in 1968 from D.J. Crowther. Then, to the present owner, with Mr. Munro-Walker in 1978.