Luristan Black Terracotta Drinking Cup

With large central hole, incised frieze of a standing nude hero facing and a figure in tiered floor-length garment, two columns of cuneiform text to the rear. 9.18 grams, 28 mm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector; collection no.033. London collection, 2016.

Accompanied by a typed and signed scholarly note written 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, which states: 'This is round, with scalloped edge, flat face and flat back, on which is mounted an angular handle with pear-shaped hole. The design, which is compartmented and partly open-work, consists of the outer band with scalloped rim within which are four plant motifs consisting of a central bud and two projecting leaves. The stems of two of these motifs join in the middle. The other two end in a triangle shape. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c.2300-2000 B.C. It is an [sic] extremely large and with a fine design. Generally it is in very good condition, but there is slight damage to the rim at one point, and a small dent on one of the leaves. Also the rim is bent over a little at one point. The back has been vigorously cleaned. But this remains a major example of its kind.' 170 grams, 96 mm wide



From the collection of a London gentleman, pre 2000. Accompanied by an original typed and signed scholarly note 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.

Composed of bifurcated body with each arm tapering to a coiled terminal, splayed head with suspension loop, decorative diagonal grooves around the perimeter and to the centre. 48 grams, 12.7 cm

Fine condition.

London collection since the 1980s. Property of a Canadian family.