Between 1932 and 1937, the Metropolitan Museum of Art received four donations from Mr. and Mrs. George D. Pratt, consisting of ivory furniture attachments accompanied by numerous clay seal impressions (bullae), fragments of pottery vessels, and ivory figurines and large plates (Fig. 16.1).* Unfortunately, the ivories were not scientifically excavated, making it difficult to understand how the various pieces were related and to what sorts of objects they belonged. Study has now shown, however, that many of the ivory attachments can be associated with one magnificent piece of furniture—a chair or throne with ivory legs and other fittings that…
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