A fine pre-Achaemenid gold ibex head protome circa 7th century B.C. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2003
With powerful neck and heavy horns curving backwards with chased ribbing, the long ears held alert, with boldly chased facial details, wide eyes with tear ducts and triple-ridged arching eyebrows, nostrils flaring, with cross-hatched forelock and short striated hairs framing the jaws, the hollow interior with remains of bitumen core, mounted; 2 in. (5 cm.) high. Price Realized £64,250
Christie's. ANTIQUITIES, INCL. AN ENGLISH PRIVATE COLLECTION OF GEMS. 29 October 2003. London, South Kensington www.christies.com