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LOT 1135
Mesopotamian Cuneiform Tablet Fragment Group
2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
2 1/8 in. (123 grams total, 55-58 mm).
Group of two pillow-shaped clay tablets each with cuneiform text to both broad faces; repaired. [2, 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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Bactrian Alabaster Bowl
1st millennium B.C. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £72
With wide rounded base and gently sloping walls. 1.15 kg, 13.5 cm wide
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Mesopotamian Cylinder Seal with Drinking and Animal Combat Scenes
Circa 2400-2200 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
With drinking scenes; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Cylinder Seal of Translucent Greenstone / 31 x 12 mm. The engraved area is divided into two registers by a double line. Above is a drinking scene: two seated drinkers, each with a large ot of beer, and between the pots a standing servant. Below is a contest scene: two crossed lions molest each a horned animal. The horned animal on the left is upended, and is succoured by a hero. This comes from Mesopotamia and dates to c. 2400-2200 B.C. It is nicely engraved and in excellent state of preservation.' 8.09 grams, 31 mm
Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. From a collection acquired from various auction houses in the UK. From the estate of Mr R.W., a private Wiltshire, UK, collector; thence by descent. Accompanied by an original typed and signed scholarly note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993. -
Sumerian Cuneiform Foundation Cone from Lagash During the Reign of Gudea
Circa 2100 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,820
From the temple of Ningirsu at Tello (Girsu) during the Second Dynasty of Lagash; inscribed with columns of cuneiform text: 'For Ningirsu, Enlil's strong hero, Gudéa prince of Lagaš, made immutable values (= rites) shine forth and built Eninnu his white eagle and restored it.' 188 grams, 11.1 cm
Previously from the estate of a West Sussex, UK, collector. From a collection acquired from various auction houses in the UK. From the estate of Mr R.W., a private Wiltshire, UK, collector; thence by descent.
Votive cones are one type of royal foundation deposit, objects that were buried in the walls and beneath the floors of important buildings during construction to sanctify the site and to create a historical memory of the ruler and his achievements.
