Mesopotamian Shell Beads

A matching pair of silver gilt temple rings, each formed with a decoratively twisted hoop adorned with three openwork bulbs adorned with pellets; one bulb absent. 36 grams total, 50-55 mm



Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.

Used to fix headdresses at the temples of the head.

A roughly rectangular clay tablet bearing dense rows of cuneiform text to both principal faces and to each of the four side edges; a letter from Karariya to Ṭaridum, probably a servant of Iluni, Karariya serves a foreign ruler (as indicated by the mention of the deity Hitti) who has just ascended the throne; he is of the same rank as Taridum, who considers him his brother: 'May Šamaš and Hitti preserve my brother alive forever!'; they deal with matters they have in common, a lawsuit to be tried by Karariya, and exchanges of goods between their two houses: 'There are no more wicks (?) for the lamps in my house (...). The wine from my stock is spent and we could not load the donkeys (with wine) for you'; repaired. 110 grams, 82 mm



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.

A ceramic jar of globular form with flat base and funicular neck; two lug handles to the shoulder. 260 grams, 12.5 cm high

Fine condition.

Ex Hands of the Potter exhibition. Faustus Gallery, Jermyn Street, 1990s. London, UK, collection.