Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0996
Mesopotamian Cuneiform Tablet
EARLY 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
1 1/2 in. (29.3 grams, 38 mm).
Fragment of a pillow-shaped tablet with impressed text to one brod face, one edge of the reverse. [No Reserve]
Provenance
Specialised 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.
VETTING:
TimeLine 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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Western Asiatic Carnelian and Other Bead Collection
1st millennium B.C. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £260
Composed of polished carnelian and other beads of various types and sizes. 91 grams total, 2-13 mm
UK gallery, early 2000s. -
Achaemenid Bronze Phiale Mesomphalos
5th-4th century B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
With flanged rim, central mesomphalos boss surrounded by radiating lotus petals. 186 grams, 16.5 cm wide
From the collection of M. Cummings, UK, 1990s.
Phiale mesomphalos (literally: bowl with central boss) were the most popular form of vessel and were produced in a number of materials, including clay, bronze, silver and gold. They are a distinctive type of Achaemenid tableware, made by hammering or raising sheet metal, with decoration added in repoussé. They were used in banquets held by the nobility and for pouring libations at religious festivals. Phiales of this kind were a common gift from the Achaemenid king to the nobility which helped cement alliances among the different tribes of the Empire. The central boss to the underside allowed the user to secure their fingers and ensure a solid grip whilst drinking or pouring. -
Western Asiatic Silver Staff Terminal with Interlaced Dragons
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,250
Hollow-formed with bulb finial, low-relief image of opposed dragons with detailed scale texture; circumferential band with incised guilloche below; mounted on a custom-made stand. 445 grams total, 20 cm including stand
London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11966-210624.