Aramaic Lead Magical Text Scroll Fragment

Restrung, composed of white circular beads of stone, shell, and glass, including biconical, irregular and other types. 19.4 grams, 48 cm long



UK gallery, early 2000s.

Similar beads were found in the excavations of the royal tombs of Nimrud. Thousands of beads were discovered in the sarcophagi (for example those of Nimrud’s Queens) probably originally composed as wide collars with multiple strands.

Modelled in the round, front and back paws formed as a one block, pierced lug to the back. 57.5 grams, 57 mm



with a London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s.

The lion was one of the most widely used symbols in Seljuk culture. They frequently used the word aslan, meaning lion, in the names of their Sultans and statesmen, such as Alparslan, "brave lion," Aslanshah, "lion king," and Aslandogmus, "lion born." Four of the Seljuk Sultans were named Kilicarslan, which combines the words for a sword and lion, and the interest in lions is clearly reflected in the art and architecture of the Seljuk period. Lion-head water spouts are to be found at a number of caravanserais, and lion statues guarded the portals to the city of Cardak Han in Anatolia, as well as carved onto the walls of the palace at Incir Han. The lion is also to be found on the coins of Sultan Giyaseddin II.

Funicular body with a flaring neck and zoomorphic finial, with circular spout in its chest; chipped. 1.35 kg, 28 cm



Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. Property of a London gentleman.