Old-Babylonian Lead Frog Weight

$520.65

A fine Old-Bbaylonian lead weight which takes the form of a delicate little frog with rear legs splayed. Much attention is given towards the frog’s morphological features, rendered in an astonishing precision by lead casting technique.

Date: Circa late 2nd Millennium BC
Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously in the collection of Mr S.M., acquired in the 1970s-1990s.
Condition: Very fine condition.

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SKU: CG-22 Category: Tags: ,

Sets of standard balance weights were used to weigh goods in the Babylonian world precisely. Weights produced during the Babylonian period were normally made of bronze and stone, and even if they could regularly take the shape of animals, frogs were not common. Indeed, they were usually used by the Egyptian in their weighting systems, or as amulets. This lead frog is therefore an exceptional piece.

Weight 0.10 g
Dimensions L 2.1 x W 1.8 x H 0.9 cm
Culture

Region

Metal

Reference: For a similar item, The Met Museum, item 1988.301