Mesopotamian Stone Vessel

An abstract figure modelled standing, carrying a small animal in its arms, possibly a kid, with a pinched head, large circular eyes, conical headpiece, discoid ear ornaments and a neck ornament. 56 grams, 12.6 cm high



Collection of a deceased London gentleman, 1979-1999, by descent. From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent. Accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report no. N122e89 from Oxford Authentication. 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 Syro-Hittite states rose to prominence in northern Syria and southern Anatolia (modern Turkey) following the collapse of the Hittite Empire, during which time many such figures were produced and widely distributed for domestic use. Such figures, later pejoratively referred to as 'idols', depicted deities carrying or standing with animals.

Pillow-shaped tablet fragment with script to one face; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Portion of Clay tablet with Pictographic Script. 57x48 mm. This is an oblong tablet with rounded side and corners. Most of the obverse is preserved, only the top and left edges are missing. Most of the surface of the reverse is lost, but it was not written so the loss is not important. The obverse is divided into three columns, the first being a double column: each compartment has a smaller one beside it with figures alone. This is an administrative document from some town in Sumer, dating to the Jemdet Nasr period, c. 3000 B.C. Not everything can yet be understood, but some things are clear. The purpose of the double column is not known, but in the second column there are two immediately clear lines: 30 sheep; 1 (or:60) goat(s) The first two columns and the beginning of the third consist of compartments with signs for things and numbers, but the rest of the last column has more complex writing devices, and must be some kind of different statement. such as the name of the official in charge of the things listed, or the name of the office dealing with these matters, or also the name of the place where this listing was made. This tablet has been conserved by firing, and is in good condition.' 39 grams, 58 mm



Ex private collection of Mr S H; thence by descent,1980-1990. Accompanied by an original typed and signed scholarly note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993. 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.

Zoomorphic stamp with loop handle to the reverse; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze. 27.5x35x13 mm. This bears the shape of what is depicted. The face is flat and compartmented, and the back is flat also with look of sheet metal for suspension. The design shows the face of a horned quadruped frontally, with drooping ears and stout horns, but with one big central eye. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is a rare design and in good condition.' 12.5 grams, 31 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. 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.