AN AGATE AMULET IN THE FORM OF A LION-HEADED EAGLE, IMDUGUD, WESTERN ASIA, CIRCA THIRD MILLENNIUM BC

Expert authentication: Dr Jack Ogden has authenticated this lot, identifying its subject and style points to an Early Dynastic date, around 2500-2200 BC. A copy of Dr. Ogden's expertise, dated 7 May 2015, accompanies this lot.
Dr Ogden is a leading expert on the materials and technology of ancient and historic precious metal objects. He has written and lectured widely on the subject. He is an elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, he has a doctorate from Durham University (Egyptology), the Gem–A Gemology Diploma (with distinction), and the Diploma in Art Profession Law and Ethics (with distinction) from the Institute of Art Law.

The majestic bird of prey is rendered with a commanding presence, its leonine face modeled with a protruding snout twisted into a scowl. The wings, slightly unfurled as if preparing for flight, are detailed with finely incised plumage that catches the light along the raised contours. The amulet is pierced through the tightly clenched claws, the perforation opening at the back for suspension. The semi-translucent stone displays a soft celadon tone, enhanced by a russet surface skin, icy veins, cloudy dark inclusions, and scattered patches of brown calcification—all natural features that enrich the object’s ancient, enigmatic character.

Expert’s note: Works of art from the Early Dynastic period in Mesopotamia (c. 2900–2350 BC) reflect the emergence of fully developed city-states and their religious and political ideologies. Monumental copper reliefs, stone sculpture, and finely carved seals show a sophisticated visual language centered on divine authority and cosmic order. Among the most distinctive images is the lion-headed eagle Imdugud (Anzû), a hybrid storm creature associated with the mountains, thunder, and protective power. Imdugud appears prominently on the great copper panels from the temple at Tell al-‘Ubaid, now in the British Museum, where he spreads his wings protectively over stags and lions.
Such depictions functioned both as temple emblems and as apotropaic symbols, proclaiming the supremacy of the gods and the protection of their earthly sanctuaries. The integration of Imdugud into religious art of this era underscores the fusion of natural and supernatural imagery in early Mesopotamian belief, and represents one of the earliest large-scale mythological compositions known from the ancient Near East.

Provenance: The Manoukian Collection. A private collection in New Jersey, USA, acquired 1981. Ariadne Galleries, New York and London, acquired on the New York market prior to 2014. A distinguished American private collection, acquired from the above on 10 July 2015. A copy of a certificate from Ariadne Galleries, describing the present lot as an amulet in the form of Imdugud and confirming the dating and provenance above, accompanies this lot. Ariadne Galleries has established a reputation as one of the world’s leading dealers in the field of ancient art. With a prominent gallery in New York’s upper East side for many years, in 2014 Ariadne opened its second gallery in London’s historic art district, Mayfair. With nearly fifty years in the industry, Ariadne boasts of several important private collectors and foundations among its clients, as well as some of the world’s most celebrated museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harvard University Art Museums, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Expected wear, obvious losses, some natural fissures, small chips and nibbling to the extremities, overall presenting superbly.

Weight: 79.5 g (excl. stand), 145.6 g (incl. stand)
Dimensions: Height 6.7 cm (excl. stand), 12 cm (incl. stand)

With an associated stand. (2)

An Imdugud (Anzu), a lion-headed eagle, is a demon in several Mesopotamian religions. He was conceived by the cosmic freshwater ocean Abzu and mother Earth Mami, or as son of Siris. In Babylonian myths Anzû was depicted as a massive bird - also as an eagle with a lion head - who can breathe fire and water. It is often associated with chaos caused by the theft of the Tablet of Destinies, a symbol of Divine Power. In Sumerian mythology the association with the taming of the wilderness associated Imdugud with the duality of good and evil.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s London, 6 July 2022, lot 57
Price: GBP 12,600 or approx. EUR 17,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: Two Elamite banded agate lions, Iran, circa 1200 BC
Expert remark: Compare the related modeling and similar mottled color of the stone. Note the small size (3 cm).

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 10 June 2010, lot 11
Price: USD 4,000 or approx. EUR 5,100 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A Western Asiatic banded agate monkey, circa early 1^st millennium BC
Expert remark: Note the size (3.1 cm).