Large Western Asiatic Chalcedony Gaming Piece

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.

A rare rectangular marble shadow clock or sundial with three chamfered edges, scrolls and foliate tendrils framing panels of Kufic script to the sides reading, to the left 'Mohammed is his messenger of God' and to the right 'There is no God but Allah'; also inscribed with the maker's name to the front: Sheikh Abol Hassan Mansor Saif; with a sun dial to the upper face framed by a rope border; copper-alloy spike to the upper face to accept the gnomon. 64.7 kg, 71 cm wide



From an important Paris gallery, France. with Antiquite Brocante Chateau, Vente Encher, 6 March 2009. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13022-199340.

A bronze attachment with a curved, round-section body, an incomplete hoop to one arm and a lion-head terminal to the other, with a collar and stylised detailing to mane and face. 32.7 grams, 49 mm wide

Fine condition.

Ex private family collection formed in London, mid 1980s to early 1990s.