Bactrian Style Lapis Lazuli Bead Necklace String

Modelled with a grimacing expression and exposed teeth, long horns extending from the brow towards the back of the head; pierced through the rear edge; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 73 grams, 75 mm (119 grams total, 10.5 cm including stand)



Private Swiss collection, before 2005. Private collection, London.

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.

Standing with head raised, dewlap to the chin and chest, angled hump behind the shoulders; mounted on a custom-made stand. 215 grams, 11.1 cm wide (351 grams total, 11.7 cm including stand)



Acquired before 1972. with a London, UK gallery. Private collection, UK.