- 384
A SILVER RAM-FORM SPICE CONTAINER
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- apparently unmarked, probably Israel.
- silver, gems
- height 5 1/2 in.
- 14 cm
based on a piece excavated at Ur and published in 1934; formed as the animal standing on its hind legs and caught in a thicket, the eyes set with gems, the rectangular base engraved with Hebrew inscription.
Exhibited
New York, Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion, The Collector's Room: Selections from the Michael and Judy Steinhardt Collection, 1993, no. 53, p. 24, illus.
Condition
One leaf crushed at stem, some leaves possibly missing, otherwise good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The base is inscribed in Hebrew: "Behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by its thorns (Genesis 21:13)."
This is based on one of the two statues of the Ram caught in the Thicket, uncovered at Ur, and published by C.L. Wooley, Ur Excavations, Royal Cemetery, 1934, vol. II, p. 265-266, pls. 87-88.