262 - Western Asiatic Alabaster Standing Bull. Sabaean, 3rd-1st century B.C. Carved in the round with integral rectangular base; of sturdy build with thick shoulders, rump and legs; latticed hair texture to the brow. See for the type Seipel, W. (ed.), Jemen Kunst und Arch ologie im Land der K nigin von Saba, Wien, 1998, No. 306 and No. 419. 1.14 kg, 14 cm wide (5 1/2 in.). [A video of this lot is available to view on TimeLine Auctions Website]

Western Asiatic Alabaster Standing Bull. Sabaean, 3rd-1st century B.C. Carved in the round with integral rectangular base; of sturdy build with thick shoulders, rump and legs; latticed hair texture to the brow. See for the type Seipel, W. (ed.), Jemen Kunst und Arch ologie im Land der K nigin von Saba, Wien, 1998, No. 306 and No. 419. 1.14 kg, 14 cm wide (5 1/2 in.). [A video of this lot is available to view on TimeLine Auctions Website] Mrs Janssens, Belgium, formed during the 1970s. Private collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12980-245246. In Sabaean religion, the bull signalled strength, fertility, and divine protection, and is often linked by scholarship with the moon-god Almaqah, the principal deity of the kingdom. Small alabaster figures of this type were likely set up as temple offerings or served as fittings within cultic furnishings; flat undersides or discreet mounting points on some examples suggest attachment to a larger ensemble. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.