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LOT 1162
Aramaic Terracotta Bowl with Magical Incantation
4TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
6 1/4 in. (393 grams, 16 cm).
With conical body, the inner face bearing the remains of concentric rings of inked magical Aramaic text, cracked. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Cf. The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, accession number: 80.001.0001.
FootnotesAramaic incantation bowls are particular to the Sassanian period and have been found in regions of modern Iraq. These simple ceramic bowls, also known as 'magic bowls': each contains 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 those faced in childbirth, from illness and from evil spirits.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1162
Aramaic Terracotta Bowl with Magical Incantation
Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
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Formerly with an ADA member's gallery, 1980-1990s. From the collection of Dr D Gerrard, Buckinghamshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the original catalogue entry. -
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Large Syro-Hittite Terracotta Goddess Idol
1500-500 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
Standing female deity (Astarte?), wearing a long cloak and two broad necklaces; arms bent and hands placed on the chest; mounted on a custom-made stand; repaired. 260 grams total, 23 cm high including stand
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
