Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0207
Old Babylonian Clay Cuneiform Tablet Bearing Royal Letter To Iluni King of Eshnunna
CIRCA LATE 18TH CENTURY B.C.
4 1/4 in. (238 grams, 11 cm).
Written over two principal faces and two side edges: 'From Warassa to Iluni comprising: 1. Usual greetings. 2. The king of Der asks Iluni to provide him with men because he lacks manpower to do the harvest. He offers to retain an escort when it returns from Susa. 2. Warassa justifies the small amount of copper he sent to Iluni at his request. The stock of copper in the palace of Der is empty and what was left had to be used for the manufacture of ex-voto for the god Ištaran. The remission of debts also contributed to the impoverishment of the palace. Nevertheless, Warassa bought copper and sent it to Ešnunna, which amounts to 5 talents. 4. A sum of money is sent to Iluni in exchange for the sending of 5 young people who will enter the service of the palace.' (M. Guichard).
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.
The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no. 201148.
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.
LOT 0207
Old Babylonian Clay Cuneiform Tablet Bearing Royal Letter To Iluni King of Eshnunna
Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,925
RELATED LOTS
-
Western Asiatic Gemstone with Kufic Inscription
20th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Octagonal form bearing Kufic script over three lines to one face; possibly red jade or jasper. 7.29 grams, 25 mm
with a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s. -
Holy Land Terracotta Jar
EB I, circa 3000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Of carinated form with broad everted rim and everted foot. 120 grams, 77 mm high
From an important specialist collection formed in London, UK, before 1988. -
Sumerian Black Chlorite Cylinder Seal
3rd millennium B.C.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Pentagonal in form and depicting a human or animal figure to each facet together with a panel of possible text; drilled vertically for suspension; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 4.05 grams, 18 mm
Acquired 1980-1990s. Ex West Country, UK, collection. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology.
