Luristan Spouted Terracotta Sun Bowl

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.

With globular body and square-section neck, loop handle to shoulder and white linear ornament. 200 grams, 10 cm



From the property of Mr O.S., a late Suffolk, UK, gentleman, who acquired at auction from the 1960s.

Octagonal in section with intaglio to the underside of a creature with the tail and scales of a fish, a man's bearded and crowned head, carrying a basket; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 11 grams, 26 mm



Acquired 1970-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.