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LOT 0236
Old Babylonian Cuneiform Tablet
SUMERIAN, 3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
1 3/8 in. (24.2 grams, 36 mm).
Of pillow-shape with lines of impressed cuneiform text to both principal faces, reading:
1) 1 wineskin suspended from a rope,
2) (for) Šu-Sîn the royal messenger
3-5) when he came <...>.
6) Intermediary Ašgi-tillassu, chief of the weavers.
7) Expense.
8) In the month šugargal,
9-10) the year bis when the priestess of Eridu was 'hired'.
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.
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Mesopotamian Cuneiform Tablet
Early 2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
Pillow-shaped with substantial remains of text to two faces. 212 grams, 95 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. -
Western Asiatic Terracotta Pitcher
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Piriform with integral round-section handle. 1.7 kg, 27 cm high
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
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Neo-Assyrian Winged Gryphon Bone Plaque
Circa 700 B.C.Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,000
Rectangular carved furniture panel with raised frame above and below the central figure modelled in the half-round; the figure an advancing gryphon with head raised and wings spread, hair falling in three locks to the shoulder, tail raised; the wing with raised rims to the feathers forming cells to accept an inlay in contrasting colour; remains of tenons above and below; Phoenician style; mounted on a custom-made stand. 274 grams total, 10 cm wide including stand
Ex Florida collection, purchased from Kelekian, New York, prior to 1970. Acquired by the current owner from the above. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11971-209611.
The figure is shown with the head raised; the example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is very similar, is eating the flowers of a tiered papyrus plant. Many such plaques were manufactured in workshops at Nimrud, but some may have been plundered from the treasuries of defeated enemies.
