Old Babylonian Cuneiform Tablet in Envelope for a Gift of Ten Fields Adjacent to Ishtar-Damqat Including the Names of Seven Witnesses

Complete and of spherical form, containing clay 'tokens'; the outer face impressed with enigmatic motifs. 229 grams, 65 mm



Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1988. 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.

The impressed detailing on the outer face of the sphere presumably gives an indication as to the contents, but since so few of these items survive intact there is little certainty on the subject.

Restrung group of graduated glass and other beads, mainly oblate and tubular types with dangle centrepiece. 10.6 grams, 33 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

Carved in the round as a crouching bull with its legs folded underneath the body, tail tucked between the hindlegs and resting against the side of the right side of the body; the beast's head held high with drilled nostrils and recessed eyes to accept inlays, the base of the horns drilled to accept separate inserts. 223 grams, 90 mm



Ex S. collection, London, UK, 1980s-2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12254-222311.