A NEO-BABYLONIAN COLOURED MARBLE STONE DUCK WEIGHT, CIRCA LATE 2ND–EARLY 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.

拍品描述

A NEO-BABYLONIAN COLOURED MARBLE STONE DUCK WEIGHT, CIRCA LATE 2ND–EARLY 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C. Carved in coloured marble, this Neo-Babylonian duck weight is worked in a compact, rounded form, with the head drawn back toward the body in the characteristic stylised manner. The bird’s body is smoothly modelled, with a broad, curved profile and a gently raised tail, while the head is defined by a small drilled eye and a softly rounded crown. The surface displays attractive natural variation, with dark green, black, cream and ochre veining running through the stone. These markings give the object a strong visual presence and emphasise the weight and density of the material. Areas of wear, surface abrasion and natural fissuring are visible, consistent with age and handling. Duck-shaped stone weights are well known from Mesopotamia and were used as standardised measures in commercial and administrative contexts. Their animal form gave practical objects a distinctive sculptural quality, combining utility with carefully observed, simplified design. This example, with its coloured marble surface and clearly recognisable duck form, is a strong representative of the type. Height: 13 cm.

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