Description:

Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, Proto-Sumerian, Late Uruk to Jemdet Nasr period, ca. late 4th to early 3rd millennium BCE. An endearing quartz statuette of a recumbent leopard, meticulously adorned with recessed spots that were perhaps once inlaid with precious gems, all resting upon 4 bent legs. Huge, pointed ears rise from the minimalist visage of slit form eyes and an incised mouth, and a suspension hole is laterally drilled through the body. Just imagine the decadent nature vibrant inlays would have once added to this piece! Truly a rare and opulent example from ancient Mesopotamia! Size: 1.06" L x 0.48" W x 0.47" H (2.7 cm x 1.2 cm x 1.2 cm)

A fragment of another Mesopotamian stone leopard was sold by Christie's London for 212,500 British pounds sterling (equivalent to about $260,852.25 USD) on July 2nd, 2019 (lot 33, Live Auction 17198).

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#175427

  • Condition: Minor abrasions and light earthen deposits, otherwise intact and very good. Nice preservation to feline form.

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December 8, 2022 8:00 AM MST
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