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LOT 0169
Old Babylonian Terracotta Couple
CIRCA 2000 B.C.
5 3/4 in. (285 grams total, 14.5 cm high including stand).
Modelled in the half-round as a mature male figure with full beard, his left arm around the shoulder of the female figure next to him, her garment covering one side of her chest and shoulder, each using one hand to grip a panel of fabric covering their lower bodies (perhaps a bed sheet); two piercings; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
ProvenanceAcquired 1969-1999.
From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, thence by descent.
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AUCTIONS:
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Old Babylonian Micro Cuneiform Clay Tablet
Circa 18th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Bearing an Akkadian literary text over two faces. 135 grams, 90 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. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. -
Western Asiatic Geometric Ceramic Vessel
2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Of piriform shape with rounded base; painted with circumferential bands populated with dashes, waves and other geometric compositions. 1.9 kg, 28 cm high
Ex Rabi Gallery, Mayfair, London, UK. Ex private collection. -
Old Babylonian Clay Cuneiform Tablet Bearing Royal Letter To Iluni King of Eshnunna
Circa late 18th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,925
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). 238 grams, 11 cm
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.
