Elamite Necklace with Gilt Silver Pendants

Composed of a squat body, stepped shoulder, broad rim and U-section spout, the body displaying a frieze of repoussé fighting bulls, their heads lowered and horns interlocking beneath the spout. 496 grams, 19 cm wide

Fine condition.

Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11352-191889.

Broad terracotta bowl with extensive inked inscription and symbols to the inner face; repaired and partly disassembled. 382 grams total, 9-17 cm



From an important family collection, London and Geneva.

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.

Including polyhedral, barrel-shaped, tabular and other types, most with impressed markings. 216 grams total, 9-24 mm



Ex Simmons gallery, London, UK. Ex North London collection, 1990s.