Description:

Neo-Assyrian, Mesopotamia, a vast empire that included parts of Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Egypt, Sudan, Saudia Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, Lebanon, Israel and Cyrpus, ca. 700 BCE. Incredible small stone carved Janus head of Pazuzu, an Assyrian demonic being of the first millennium BCE. Carved of opaque chalcedony in Janus form, heads on each side, with deeply furrowed brows, menacing scowl, snarling face with feline nose and sharp fangs, beard in rows beneath. A very detailed and exquisite example! Size: 1.5" H (3.8 cm)

Pazuzu is often considered as an evil underworld demon, but also seems to have been a beneficial protector against pestilential winds. Pazuzu is also closely associated with the demon Lamashtu which caused miscarriage and cot death, acting as an antidote to her evil effects. For a similar example, see Christies, New York, Sale 2375, December 10, 2010, lot 316 which hammered at $32,500.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection, ex-private collection of Frances Artuner, Belgium 1960s.

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#156121

  • Condition: Intact and near choice with deposits on surface as shown

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June 4, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000