Furniture plaque carved in relief with two falcon-headed sphinxes trampling captives

Art Historical Context

This exquisite ivory plaque, carved in low relief, hails from the Neo-Assyrian Empire (ca. 9th–7th century BCE), a period when Assyria dominated the ancient Near East through military might and cultural splendor. Measuring just 3¼ × 7¾ × 3⅛ inches, it once adorned elite furniture, such as thrones or tables in royal palaces. The scene depicts two falcon-headed sphinxes—powerful mythical guardians blending human, bird, and lion features—triumphantly trampling bound captives. These motifs symbolize Assyrian supremacy over enemies, a common theme in the empire's art that celebrated conquests from ...