Framed Indo-Persian Watercolour Painting

A free-standing stone figure of a horned cow suckling a calf, modelled in the round and using openwork technique, the cow's head turned to face the calf suckling at its underbelly, a fierce expression on its face, tail forming a loop; stylised anatomical detailing and recessed eye to both creatures; tail repaired. 447 grams, 13.5 cm wide



Acquired before 1980. Ex Richmond family collection. Thence by descent.

Alternatively, this piece may represent a hound or wolf attacking a cow's soft underbelly.

A plano-convex rock crystal stamp seal with oblong base, displaying a capricorn advancing left, with Pahlavi script in the field; drilled through the body for suspension; the body of the seal also engraved with circular and lozenge motifs; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 8.46 grams, 22 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired 1980-2000s. Important collection of a London gentleman.

A roughly rectangular clay tablet bearing dense rows of cuneiform text to both principal faces and to each of the four side edges; a letter from Karariya to Ṭaridum, probably a servant of Iluni, Karariya serves a foreign ruler (as indicated by the mention of the deity Hitti) who has just ascended the throne; he is of the same rank as Taridum, who considers him his brother: 'May Šamaš and Hitti preserve my brother alive forever!'; they deal with matters they have in common, a lawsuit to be tried by Karariya, and exchanges of goods between their two houses: 'There are no more wicks (?) for the lamps in my house (...). The wine from my stock is spent and we could not load the donkeys (with wine) for you'; repaired. 110 grams, 82 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. This small collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.