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LOT 0234
Mesopotamian Cuneiform Tablet Squashed in Hand
EARLY 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
2 7/8 in. (80 grams, 67 mm).
Originally pillow-shaped in form with cuneiform text, deformed by squeezing while still wet. [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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Western Asiatic Bronze Spindle Whorl on Distaff
2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Distaff with spiral slot to the thicker end, separate domed whorl and tapering shank. 60 grams, 32 cm
Collected from 1969-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.
Spindle whorls are one of the most durable traces of textile craft in the archaeological record. They can be found in copious quantities and diverse types. Whorls in the shape of discs, cylinders and cones of clay, bone, stone and other more precious materials are widespread in all areas and periods, evidencing the skills of craftswomen engaged in textile production. -
Western Asiatic Gold Floral Earrings
Circa 1st millennium B.C. or laterEstimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £275
Each formed as an open flower with the carpel emerging between the petals, applied pellets forming the petals and three pellets to the carpel; hinged loops. 7.04 grams total, 34-35 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. -
Seljuk Gold Ring with Inscription
12th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,265
With ornamented D-section hoop expanding towards the shoulders, domed plaque below and shield-like waisted shoulders with scrollwork and plinth-shaped support with S-scrolls framing the central plaque with Arabic inscription 'Hassan/ Aundt'. 13.16 grams, 21.68 mm overall, 17.01 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)
From a French private collection, circa 1960s. Acquired from a private collection in the early 1990s. Property of a North American gallery. Accompanied by a copy of a previous cataloguing information page. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12103-214334.
