Persian Painted Miniature Leaf with Noble Lady

A pillow-shaped tablet, with cuneiform text on the broad faces and an edge, reading: '50 sar of orchard, planted with palm trees, next to Kunia, next to Amurutu, on the first small side: Rabutum. Sîn-pilah bought from Huzalum. He paid him its full price of 1/3 silver mine. He swore in the name of Nur-Adad the king that no one would constest in the future. In front of Itišumum In front of Sinennam Before Sugalum Before Kurušum Before Awīl-Amurrim the scribe In the month of šabatu, the year Nur-Adad (offered) a throne of justice (?) ...' 52 grams, 56 mm



Ex private collection. with Bonhams, Antiquities, London, 21 October 1999, no.260 (Part). Private central European collection. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12244-219769.

Modelled in the round standing facing, the animal's ears pricked, simple recessed eyes, tail hanging between hindlegs, the rider riding bare-back, gripping the horse's mane at the base of the neck, his legs gripping its sides, wearing a textured garment hanging from the left shoulder, pinched face featuring large circular eyes and strong furrowed brow; one arm absent; repaired; mounted on a custom-made display base. 354 grams total, 14.2 cm high including stand



Collection of a deceased London gentleman, 1979-1999, by descent. From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent. Accompanied by a copy of thermoluminescence analysis report no.N122k30 from Oxford Authentication.

Fusiform in profile with deep spout to the rim; two lateral strap handles. 391 grams, 15.5 cm



From the collection of a gentleman, 1988-2000s.