The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (NCG) in Copenhagen is in possession of three glazed brick reliefs from the Babylonian entrance complex (Fig. 1-3) acquired by the Museum in 1930 from the Vorderasiatisches Museum, Berlin. We can identiy the young bull and the lion.What is the third animal?
Sign Buccarella et al, 2016, Babylonian Blues: Studying the blue and turquoise-green glazes of the Ishtar Gate and the Processional Way
[quote]Despite earlier studies of glazed bricks from Babylonia, the nature of especially the blue and turquoise pigments is still debated. The only published investigations into the colored glazes of the monumental gate complex were carried out in the 1980’s by Fitz and Matson . However, neither of the two studies includes bricks from the Ishtar Gate. Moreover, they are not conclusive concerning the identification of the pigments used for the blue and turquoise-green glazes.
The three reliefs in the NCG offer a rare opportunity to investigate the pigments used for the monumental structure. In this preliminary study, the blue and turquoise-green glazes on the reliefs have been examined using X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), polarised light microscopy, and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS).
Besides settling the discussion concerning the nature of the pigments, the identification of the constituents of the glazes will offer important insights into the trade of materials and crafts involved in the embellishment. [unquote]
1. Young bull: