Bactrian Style Lapis Lazuli Bead Necklace String

Composed of oblate, biconical and other beads, the central feature a large annular bead, restrung. 60.1 grams, 44 cm



Acquired in the 1990s. Ex London, UK, collection.

Comprising: a limestone seal showing lions and bulls in combat; a hematite seal with a seated deity with an axe, and a standing adorant; a hematite seal with two adorants before a scorpion, another scorpion and another small animal, sun and moon crescent; a black steatite seal with two standing figures and a jumping beast; a chalcedony seal with a man to the right, evil eye, bird and a mountain or a skirt; supplied with museum-quality impressions. 45.28 grams total, 18-29 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. Accompanied by previous typed catalogue slips with collection nos.27, 31, 34, 43, 79.

Flat-based bowl, inscribed in spiral from the bottom inner wall to the rim with Aramaic text. 360 grams, 17.6 cm



Private collection, 1980s. UK private collection before 2000. 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.