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LOT 0266
Mesopotamian Cuneiform Tablet of a Contract within an Envelope
2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
2 7/8 in. (138 grams, 73 mm).
Pillow-shaped ceramic tablet with impressed cuneiform inscriptions, wrapped and enclosed in a clay envelope with cuneiform text to one flat face.
ProvenanceSpecialised 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0266
Mesopotamian Cuneiform Tablet of a Contract within an Envelope
Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,080
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Khorasan Bronze Figurine Of a Reclining Lion
12th century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Modelled in the round recumbent with head turned to left, the tail terminating in a hinge knuckle; flanks engraved with two inscription-filled cartouches, a cartouche containing scrolling foliate vines to the spine and a mane to the neck, the interstices with triangle motifs containing circles; ears pierced, one damaged. 640 grams, 15.2 cm
German private collection, 1960s. Acquired in Germany, 1980s. with Bonhams, London, 18 June 2013, no.24 (£3,500). Private collection, London. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12431-226889. -
Neo Assyrian Pazuzu Head with Lamashtu
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,640
Modelled in the half-round with grotesque features and fierce teeth exposed; reverse with low-relief engraved image of Lamashtu advancing holding a trident. 26 grams, 36 mm
From an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12253-221916.
In Babylonian mythology the demon Pazuzu was the son of the god Hanpa. His consort, the demon Lamaštu, carried fever and preyed upon children and pregnant women. She could be neutralised with appropriate spells and amulets, which also protected against other demons. For this reason, women wore an amulet with the effigy of Pazuzu around their necks during pregnancy. -
Aramaic Lead Magical Text Scroll Fragment
2nd-8th century A.D.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £135
The remains of a bifacial magical lead scroll with letters written in a form of Aramaic and Greek, incised on a lead tablet preserved in a sub-rectangular fragment. 8.13 grams, 73 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired 1979-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.