Bactrian Bronze Plaque with Figural Scene

With conical body, the inner face bearing concentric rings of inked magical Aramaic text, repaired. 357 grams, 19 cm wide



Ex Family collection, London, UK, pre 1988.

Aramaic 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 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 those faced in child-birth, illness and evil spirits.

With carved geometric design of chevrons and fusils on a hatched field. 5.1 grams, 18 mm



From a Cotswold, UK, collection, item no.61; as seen and catalogued by the late Professor Wilfrid George Lambert pre 1990.

The late W.G. Lambert was Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham in the period 1970-1993.

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.