Luristan Terracotta Lotus-Formed Vessel

Rebound as a hardback with cloth binding to spine and envelope flap, marbled boards; title page with naskh script text in a triangular block; text pages typically 25 lines of cramped black-ink script with red titles and diacritics; second quire with looser black-ink script, 22 lines per page with perpendicular marginal notes and numerical grids. 268 grams, 17 x 23.5 cm



From an important family collection started in the late 1950s. Property of a West London, UK, gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12278-220407.

The texts are (1) 'Revealing and explaining the nature of precious stones and minerals in the Science of Chemistry' by Sheikh Shihab al-Din Ahmad bin Ahmad Zarruq al-Fassi, written out by Sahnoun bin Muhammad al-Wansharisi in 1139 A.H. (1726 A.D.) (2) 'Iwamie altaerif fi matalie altasrif' (On magic) written by Iman Muhammad bin Muhammad al-Ghazali al-Tusi who died in 505 A.H. (1111 A.D.). This copy was made in Tangier in 1139 A.H. (1726 A.D.).

Each armlet composed of a substantial round-section penannular hoop with terminals formed as stylised opposed animal heads, ring-and-dot motifs representing the eyes and highlighting other anatomical detailing, together with dashes, dimples, chevrons and crescents. 1.19 kg total, 13-13.1 cm



with a London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12265-220622.

D-section hoop expanding to an octagonal bezel, intaglio motif of a stylised bird with long beak. 3.58 grams, 21.45 mm overall, 17.11 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.