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LOT 0240
Proto-Sumerian Pictographic Terracotta Tablet
URUK III, CIRCA 3200-3000 B.C.
2 1/8 in. (26.2 grams, 55 mm).
Lentoid in section with design to one face in three registers: left, large panel with impressed grid, square and spray; right, two smaller panels with hatching and geometric forms.
ProvenanceFrom an important collection formed before 1988.
Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and 1990s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12543-231889.
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.
Cf. Salvatore Monaco, Archaic Cuneiform Tablets from Private Collections, CUSAS 31, for other comparable tablets.
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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Sasanian High Tin Bronze Bowl
3rd-7th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Low profile and gently flaring walls, incised concentric circles to the base. 171 grams, 16.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. 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. -
Neo Assyrian Haematite Pazuzu Head
8th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Modelled in the round with grotesque features and fierce teeth exposed; drilled through the head for suspension. 16.2 grams, 24 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. 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.
In Babylonian mythology the demon Pazuzu was the son of the god Hanpa. His consort, the demon Lamaštu, carried fever and preyed upon children and pregnant women. She could be neutralised with appropriate spells and amulets, which also protected against other demons. For this reason, women wore an amulet with the effigy of Pazuzu around their necks during pregnancy. -
Western Asiatic Terracotta Jar Group
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Including squat jars, bowls, dishes and vases, some with painted ornament. 2.75 kg total, 6.7-17 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. 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.