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LOT 0966
Mesopotamian Clay Cuneiform Tablet Fragment
CIRCA 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
1 5/8 in. (48.9 grams, 43 mm).
Bearing text to one face; the tablet roughly semi-circular in plan with a plano-convex cross-section. [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.
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AUCTIONS:
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Amlash Decorated Bronze Ring
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
The circular bezel formed from coiled wire and embellished with a central cross of pellets within a pellet border, supported by a tripartite hoop. 7.98 grams, 22.63 mm overall, 16.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)
Ex private collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s. -
Neo-Assyrian Bronze Two-Piece Belt Buckle with Winged Genii
9th-7th century B.C.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,250
Comprising two halves decorated in chased low relief, each half with a standing winged figure dressed in long embroidered tunic, holding a stylised snake(?) in the raised hand, the other hand extended along the wing; the left side with three attachment hooks and the right side with a perforated plaque with two lines of holes providing the possibility of extending the belt. 191 grams total, 80 mm each
Nice bronze patina with small scratches on the surface, antique deformations
Acquired prior to 2000. British private collection of Mr D.M., London, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11753-202365.
The genii symbolised both protection and fertility - their role was to safeguard and replenish the ancient kingdom of Assyria and therefore, on a personal buckle, the wearer of the belt. The representation of divine genii upon a belt plaque provided a link with the king and with the royal family, and it could be that such a belt was worn by important dignitaries, although the structure of the belt and its composition exclude the possibility of military use. -
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Central Asian Ceramic Bull Rhyton with Juglets
3rd century B.C.-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,120
Modelled with a substantial body standing on short, slender legs, crescentic horns, incised circular eyes and linear mouth, circular nostrils above serving as spouts, dewlap to chest and tail hanging between hindlegs; flared neck and strap handle to back, flanked by flasks with pierced handles; painted detailing; some restoration. 1.55 kg, 35.7 cm
Ex private American collection, kept in Switzerland, 1960s. On the UK art market, since 2005. Accompanied by an IADAA search certificate dated 8 April 2020. Accompanied by a copy of an old photograph and a description sticker with collection number '40' to verso. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.202211.
