Egypto-Persian Silver-Gilt Earring Pair with Bes Holding Two Ibexes
Circa 530-330 B.C. Each with bifacial repoussé decoration depicting the Egyptian god Bes controlling two ibexes, above them two geese or storks facing stylised lotus flowers, projecting knops to the perimeter, four loops to the inner edge. Cf. Curtis, J. and Tallis, N. (eds), Forgotten Empire: The world of Ancient Persia, London, 2005, p.145 no.177, for a near-identical gold earring, reputedly from Syria, now in The Louvre Museum, Paris, Department of Oriental Antiquities, inventory number AO 3171.26.73 grams total, 4.7 cm each (1 7/8 in.). with Riyahi Gallery, London, prior to 1996. Private collection, Switzerland, acquired from the above, 1 July 1996. Acquired from the above, 23 December 2010.Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate, no 5068.C.V.[2] [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website.]