Judaean Terracotta Amphora Handle with Royal Seal Impression

D-shaped in profile with void below the curved edge, obverse with reserved serpents above a frieze of trees; reverse with rearing serpents above geometric panels; mounted on a custom-made stand. 4.8 kg total, 24 cm high (27 cm including stand)



with Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, Tel Aviv, 1968. Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. London, UK, collection. Accompanied by a copy of an original invoice from Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, 25 December 1968. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.12775-237877. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The object could have been carried or swung in ceremonies or processions. This is also suggested by the side in which the snakes overlook buildings of a religious place, which have the clear structure of the Ziggurats, while other sections are representing the doors of a temple.

Rectangular clay tablet with cuneiform text to both broad faces. 138 grams, 96 mm



Ex Oriental Dar Antiques, Jerusalem, 1967. European private collection. Accompanied by a thermoluminescence analysis report no.N125e33 from Oxford Authentication. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12770-237184. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Old Babylonian tablets were found in regular excavations from Khafaje and Kish, although still today the main body came from dealers. A definite date can be assigned to them only on the basis of internal evidence. The scripts of the tablets varies a good deal: some tablets are written in archaic cursive, others in younger cursive, still others mix archaic and younger sign forms.

Modelled in the round standing on a sub-rectangular base, stylised anatomical detailing including remains of a bridge and eyes. 184 grams, 10.3 cm

Fair condition.

Ex property of an Essex gentleman; acquired on the UK art market; previously from an old English collection formed in the 1980s. From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.