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LOT 0242
Mesopotamian Clay Bulla with Clay Tokens
URUK, 3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
2 in. (74 grams, 50 mm).
Spherical, undecorated bulla envelope containing clay tokens. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceSpecialised 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.
Accompanied by a previous cataloguing slip.
Small globular and hollow clay balls are defined as 'bulla'. They are also known as ‘bulla-envelopes', some of which are plain and some displaying epigraphic, zoomorphic and/or figural decoration, impressed by either cylinder or stamp seals. Bullae first emerged in Mesopotamia, and their earliest occurrence can be traced to circa 8000 B.C. Most known decorated bullae come from the Uruk area and offer an insight into its culture.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Western Asiatic Stone Cylinder Seal Group
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Comprising: four columns of cuneiform text; scene with a bowman among trees; nude female facing with hands pressed to her chest; row of fleeing ibexes; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 34.4 grams total, 18.1-34.1 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Sasanian Carnelian Gemstone of a Fantastic Creature with Pahlavi Legend
4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
Plano-convex in section with advancing winged and horned beast, Pahlavi legend to the border; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.32 grams, 10 mm
Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.
Fanciful combinations of various human and animal heads, sometimes with the addition of other elements, are generally called grylloi. These fantastic devices were more than mere artists' fancies and were worn by the ancient Romans and others for their supposed efficacy in averting the evil eye. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Cage Weight
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £270
Comprising a rectangular basket with two overlapping U-shaped handles, two bull heads resting on the edge of the basket. 198 grams, 74 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
