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LOT 1108
Old Babylonian Terracotta Plaque from Nippur
LEVANT, CIRCA 1900-1600 B.C.
4 1/4 in. (5 1/4 in.) (116 grams total, 10.7 cm high (13.5 cm high including stand)).
Plano-convex in section with moulded offering scene depicting a man advancing to his left whilst holding out an animal, probably a goat, with four protruding legs; mounted on a custom-made stand. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s-1980s.
Ex Paul S. Forbes collection, Maryland, USA.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Terracotta plaques of this sort were mass- produced from moulds and represented a form of art available to a wide audience. They have been excavated in temples as well as in household shrines and private homes, and give us a mysterious glimpse into religious practices and the ideas that people valued. Their subject matter varies widely, including religious images, mythological and erotic scenes, and representations of rulers and gods.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Western Asiatic Aramaic Lead Scroll with Magical Text
2nd-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £293
A rectangular lead sheet rolled into a tight scroll with the text to the inner face. 31 grams, 58 mm
Collected from 1970-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The item was possibly meant to be what the Romans called a defixio or 'curse tablet', on which the magical malediction was recorded and then shut away (by being tightly rolled up) so that the victim could not find it or change it. -
Neo-Babylonian Chalcedony Stamp Seal with Animal
6th-4th century B.C.Estimate: £700 - 900 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £315
Tongue-shaped in profile with incuse image of an advancing ram beneath a crescent moon, arrow in the field. 4.40 grams, 18.46 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Western Asiatic Silver-Coloured Metal Pendant
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7
Comprising a triangular plaque with inset glass cloison, chains below with dangles. 21 grams, 17.5 cm
Ex collection of a late London, UK, collector, 1970s. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
