Lot 14: A RARE MESOPOTAMIAN LAPIS LAZULI, LIMESTONE AND BLACK STONE EYE INLAY, EARLY DYNASTIC, CIRCA 2600-2250 B.C.

A MESOPOTAMIAN LAPIS LAZULI, LIMESTONE AND BLACK STONE EYE INLAY, EARLY DYNASTIC, CIRCA 2600-2250 B.C.

The piece is constructed from three distinct materials: a frame and backing of deep blue lapis lazuli, an off-white limestone sclera, and a dark grey or black stone pupil. The lapis lazuli contains natural pyrite inclusions appearing as golden-coloured flecks. The central circular pupil is inset into the limestone, which is itself fitted within the lapis lazuli frame. The reverse of the inlay is flat and features a rectangular paper inventory label with the printed characters C96.

Provenance: Acquired by the father in 1970s.

Thence by descent to his son.

Acquired from the above by the present owner.

L: 4cm