Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History, Stamps & Coins

Including plano-convex type with incuse design of two fish, rectangular block with suspension holes, and columnar type with integral loop. 33.3 grams total, 29-35 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

With conical body, the inner face bearing the remains of concentric rings of inked magical Aramaic text. 369 grams, 16.9 cm



Private collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK

Aramaic incantation bowls are particular to the Sasanian period and have been found in the regions of modern Iraq. These simple ceramic bowls, also known as magic bowls, each contain an Aramaic inscription, written in ink, which spirals from the centre. The bowls seem to have played an important part in domestic life. For example, during excavation in Nippur in 1889, one or more incantation bowls were found in each house together with domestic artefacts, most often in doorways or under floorboards in the corner of rooms. The bowls are predominantly apotropaic, and the inscriptions tend to protect their owners from misfortunes such as childbirth, illness and evil spirits.

Including anthropomorphic, sun-wheel and other types. 6.62 grams total, 11-30 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Plano-convex in section and lozengiform in plan with incised ring-and-dot eyes, chevron nose, dorsal panel. 15.5 grams, 49 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Comprising: a large ring with an oval bezel set with an agate gemstone with a four-line inscription; a smaller ring set with an orange carnelian gemstone with an inscription; a ring with a rectangular orange carnelian gemstone with a calligraphic inscription; a ring with a raised rectangular bezel with remains of reddish-brown paste. 48.7 grams total, 22-30 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.

With a D-shaped lower end and a coiled loop at the end of the handle. 100 grams, 25 cm



Ex property of a Cambridge gentleman, acquired on the London, UK, art market in the 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market since the 1990s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman; thence by descent. Accompanied by a previous catalogue information slip.

Scaraboid type with advancing ibex among trees; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 2.28 grams, 13 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Comprising mixed beads, including facetted barrel-shaped rick crystal beads, polygonal and tubular lapis lazuli beads, and others. 108 grams total, 2-28 mm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

With broad base and deep everted sidewall, incised concentric rings to the inner centre. 251 grams, 18.1 cm wide



Ex Abelita collection, 1990s.

Composed of oblate, melon, and other beads, the central feature a large coffin-shaped pendant with carved panels, restrung. 35.3 grams, 36.5 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Triangular in plan with hole in the root for suspension; geometric lines (or legend?) to one face. 9.2 grams, 45 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Biconvex in section and sicoid in plan with incised grid, cuneiform text and impressed points. 8.34 grams, 27 mm



Private collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK.