Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0241

Proto-Sumerian Pictographic Terracotta Tablet

URUK III, CIRCA 3200-3000 B.C.

3 1/4 in. (73.3 grams, 81 mm).

Lentoid in section with incised and impressed design to one face; trapezoidal figure with bowl(?) and incised cross, two rows of impressed D-shapes; probably a tally token.

Provenance

From 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 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.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine 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:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0241

Proto-Sumerian Pictographic Terracotta Tablet

Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Amlash Terracotta Single-Handled Jug with Head Attachment
    Amlash Terracotta Single-Handled Jug with Head Attachment
    10th-8th century B.C.

    Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £405

    Comprising a rounded body resting on three stub legs; funicular mouth and short neck; beneath the rim a mask with pinched nose and two pointed ears, impressed circular eyes and mouth; three vertical decorative strips impressed with the same tool as formed the eyes and mouth; tiered strap handle with two finger-grips to the outer face and impressed detailing running from the neck to the shoulder; rim and one foot partly restored. 723 grams, 20.6 cm



    Ex Zackary, Los Angeles, 1960s. Thereafter London art market, 1992. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00079639. 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.

    Lot Details

  • Persian Chalcedony Stamp Seal of a Persian King Gripping the Horns of Two Goats
    Persian Chalcedony Stamp Seal of a Persian King Gripping the Horns of Two Goats
    5th-4th century B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690

    Thimble-shaped seal with engraved imagery; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Chalcedony 19.5 x 20 x 27 mm. This is a conoid with nearly round slightly convex face, pierced diagonally. The design shows the Achaemenid Persian king in tunic and Persian 'trousers' gripping in each hand the horn of a rearing antelope or similar animal which turns its head backwards. The king wears a crown. This is an Achaemenid Persian seal, c.500-350 B.C., from some part of the Persian empire. It is in a distinctive style, but so fare [sic] there has not been enough study to say exactly where this was made. The scene symbolises the Persian king's victories over his enemies. The seal is a little chipped, but generally in good condition'; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 14.7 grams, 26.64 mm



    Ex Dr Elie Browski. with Christie's, London, 13 June 2000, no.609 [Part]. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in July 2000. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. 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.

    Lot Details

  • Western Asiatic Chlorite Stone Mould
    Western Asiatic Chlorite Stone Mould
    1st millennium B.C.

    Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £200

    Trapezoidal mould with pierced locating holes, ovate recess with irregular maze-pattern and lateral blocks with pseudo-script. 515 grams, 17.8 cm wide



    Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. London, UK, 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.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list