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LOT 1480
Mesopotamian Terracotta Cuneiform Tablet
EARLY 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
3 in. (97 grams, 76 mm).
Pillowform with columns of cuneiform text on both sides. [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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Sasanian Marbled Agate Stamp Seal with Bird
Circa 3rd-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Plano-convex type with incuse motif of a standing bird inside a wreath. 10.02 grams, 22.85 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Large Bactrian Black Chlorite 'Hand Bag' Ceremonial Weight
3rd millennium B.C.Estimate: £15,000 - 20,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £7,500
D-shaped in profile with a round-section loop; obverse with a reserved scene of two lions with hatched detailing to the fur advancing towards a small quadruped placed perpendicular to them; reverse with a median eagle with wings extended and feather detailing, flanked by rearing serpents and a scorpion; mounted on a custom-made stand. 6.25 kg total, 28.3 cm high including stand
with Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, Tel Aviv, 10 November 1969. Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. London, UK, collection. Accompanied by a copy of an original invoice from Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, 10 November 1969. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13246-252973.
Among the most iconic intercultural style objects are the so-called 'lock' or 'handbag' weights. They have been found in a variety of different colourful stones, such as breccia, chlorite, fossiliferous limestone, calcite and onyx. At the beginning, these objects were probably not weights at all, but were likely badges of high office, carried to indicate authority. Similar objects have been found throughout Mesopotamia, the islands of the Persian Gulf, on the Iranian steppe, and in the Indus Valley. -
Western Asiatic Decorated Banded Agate Bead
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
Fusiform type with incised geometric motif. 1.98 grams, 18.99 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.