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LOT 0208
Early Uruk Clay Numerical Tablet
LATE 4TH MILLENNIUM B.C.
2 1/8 in. (47 grams, 53 mm).
Of pillow-shaped form, with numerical markings to one face.
ProvenanceSpecialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992.
Thence by descent to family members.
Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.
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AUCTIONS:
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Western Asiatic Miniature Bronze Pazuzu Head
8th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Formed with a long neck and grotesque facial features in relief. 3.04 grams, 19 mm
Ex private collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s. -
Uruk Pictographic Economic Clay Tablet Relating to Cattle
Circa 3000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,680
Bearing pictographs to the two principal faces; of pillow-shaped form. 112 grams, 89 mm
Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992. Thence by descent to family members. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.201149.
The purpose of these items is not known for sure but the combination of pictograms and impressed points has led to the suggestion that they were used for tallying quantities of various commodities. -
Achaemenid Silver Bracelet
5th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
The penannular round-section hoop with animal head terminals, likely calves or deer, with stylised detailing. 26.8 grams, 70 mm
UK collection, early 1990s and before. Acquired on the UK art market since the early 2000s. From a private collection, Lancashire, UK.