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LOT 0989
Babylonian Cuneiform Clay Tablet
CIRCA 2000 B.C.
2 1/4 in. (60 grams, 58 mm).
Pillow-shaped and bearing ten horizontal lines of cuneiform text to the principal face with one vertical line to the side. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired before 1990s/early 2000s.
From the family collection of Jack Lyttle (1944-2023), Kilmacolm, Scotland; thence by descent to his granddaughter.
Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Western Asiatic Painted Pottery Jar
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
With rounded underside, carinated profile, broad mouth, incised step below the rim and painted circumferential bands to the shoulder. 2.3 kg, 27 cm wide
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Western Asiatic Pottery Vessel Group
Circa 3rd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Comprising various types, including examples decorated with painted geometric motifs; some chipped. 2.36 kg total, 7.9-14 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Neo-Assyrian Winged Gryphon Bone Plaque
Circa 700 B.C.Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,000
Rectangular carved furniture panel with raised frame above and below the central figure modelled in the half-round; the figure an advancing gryphon with head raised and wings spread, hair falling in three locks to the shoulder, tail raised; the wing with raised rims to the feathers forming cells to accept an inlay in contrasting colour; remains of tenons above and below; Phoenician style; mounted on a custom-made stand. 274 grams total, 10 cm wide including stand
Ex Florida collection, purchased from Kelekian, New York, prior to 1970. Acquired by the current owner from the above. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11971-209611.
The figure is shown with the head raised; the example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is very similar, is eating the flowers of a tiered papyrus plant. Many such plaques were manufactured in workshops at Nimrud, but some may have been plundered from the treasuries of defeated enemies.