Loading, please wait...
LOT 1127
Fragmentary Jewish Magic Bowl with Aramaic Incantation Against Evil Spirits and Drawing of the Devil
CIRCA 4TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/2 - 6 3/4 in. (382 grams total, 9-17 cm).
Broad terracotta bowl with extensive inked inscription and symbols to the inner face; repaired and partly disassembled. [4, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom an important family collection, London and Geneva.
LiteratureCf. The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, accession number: 80.001.0001.
FootnotesAramaic 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.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 1127
Fragmentary Jewish Magic Bowl with Aramaic Incantation Against Evil Spirits and Drawing of the Devil
Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
-
Fragmentary Jewish Magic Bowl with Aramaic Incantation Against Evil Spirits and Drawing of the Devil
Circa 4th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
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. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Artefact Group
1st millennium B.C. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £39
Including a dress pin with ram-head finial, an axe-head and other items. 43.9 grams total, 32-65 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Camel with Rider in Hasanlu Style
Circa 9th-7th century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Depicting a rider holding the reins of a camel, the rider featuring a large head and hands while the camel is modelled with small head and slender body and legs 13.5 grams, 40 mm
Collected from 1969-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue information card.
Such a figurine might have been worn as part of a necklace or bracelet for decorative purposes, Due to the tribal and sometimes nomadic nature of many of these populations, many Luristan bronzes were not of great size. Statuettes of local fauna have been largely recovered from North-Western Persian burials.
