Loading, please wait...
LOT 1245
Mesopotamian Cuneiform Tablet Fragment
EARLY 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
3 in. (122 grams, 77 mm).
Bifacial, pillow-shaped with cuneiform text to both broad faces; two corners absent. [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.
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.
Cf. cuneiform text tablet now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, under accession no.86.11.282.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Sumerian Terracotta Bulla Envelope with Impressed Decoration
Uruk Period, 5500-3100 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,820
Spherical and hollow-formed with moulded animal and other ornament to the outer face; clay tokens inside. 74 grams, 55 mm
Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1988. 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. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. Accompanied by a copy of a previous two page illustrated cataloguing note. 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. -
Post Sasanian Silver Earring Pair
6th-7th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £78
Each a scallop-shaped panel with repoussé obverse plate, hatched detailing, hooked suspension. 25.6 grams total, 41 mm each
Acquired between 1965-2020. 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. -
Early Dynastic Lapis Lazuli Cylinder Seal
Circa 2550-2400 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,210
Engraved with a religious scene comprising a seated king on a throne-shaped chair, holding a cup and wearing a long garment; standing worshipper or priest before him; before them, a nude hero and a bull-man presented in a contest scene. 4.75 grams, 23 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.12558-231428. 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 clearly engraved facial features, the almond-shaped eyes, pointed noses, and abstract outlines shaping the bodies, attest to the iconic glyptic practices of the late Early Dynastic Period. The cup held by the king, containing holy ointment or oil, might have been used as an emblem to signify the elevated rank of a deified king. It may have also been used an alternative religious practice, connecting the secular authority and the divine power during the Early Dynastic Period.
