Ottoman Silver Fob with Calligraphic Gemstone

With conical body, the inner face bearing the remains of concentric rings of inked magical Aramaic text. 285 grams, 17.2 cm wide



Private collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK

Aramaic incantation bowls are particular to the Sasanian period and have been found in the regions of modern Iraq. These simple ceramic bowls, also known as magic bowls, each contain an Aramaic inscription, written in ink, which spirals from the centre. The bowls seem to have played an important part in domestic life. For example, during excavation in Nippur in 1889, one or more incantation bowls were found in each house together with domestic artefacts, most often in doorways or under floorboards in the corner of rooms. The bowls are predominantly apotropaic, and the inscriptions tend to protect their owners from misfortunes such as childbirth, illness and evil spirits.

Conical in profile with flared rim at the apex; marine accretions. 235 grams, 93 mm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Disc bezel with incuse profile stag advancing on a baseline, wreath in the field. 2.61 grams, 22.30 mm overall, 19.53 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19)



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.