Mesopotamian Cuneiform Tablet Fragment

Finely engraved with a religious scene, sun god Shamash seated on a throne with his feet resting on a padded stand, holding a scimitar in his raised left hand and wearing a horned headdress; four bearded deities and a smaller, clean-shaven young male worshipper before him, each of the deities wearing a horned headdress and a pleated garment; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 49.1 grams, 40 mm



From the 'S' collection, acquired 1970-1990s. The collection was seen and studied by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993. Accompanied by a copy of a report from Assyriologist Hui Li. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12539-231427. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The seal's excellent glyptic techniques, naturalistic depictions of the facial features, and the presented religious scene suggest that this seal might have belonged to a high official.

Lentoid in section with design to one face in three registers: left, large panel with impressed grid, square and spray; right, two smaller panels with hatching and geometric forms. 26.2 grams, 55 mm



From an important collection formed before 1988. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12543-231889. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

With detailed depiction of a bird of elongated form on a dense field of flowing, intricate vegetal motifs with turquoise-coloured detailing; exterior ringed with a Kufic inscription, probably a blessing or prayer for the owner, written in a stylised script; heavily restored with overpainting. 569 grams, 20.5 cm



Acquired prior to 1998. Private collection, London. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The Sultanabad region was renowned for its high-quality ceramics during the Seljuk period. While the precise translation of the legend is uncertain, such inscriptions were commonly used to invoke protection or good fortune, making the object not only a functional piece but also a meaningful, personal artifact.