Qajar Inscribed Gemstone in Silver Ring

With thick hoop and opposed animal-heads to the reverse, large ellipsoid bezel with incuse winged bull motif. 34 grams, 30.15 mm overall, 22 x 20.4 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)



with Pierre Bergé & Associés, Paris, 23 April 2001, no.297 (part). Acquired by an important European family collection. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Pierre Bergé & Associés catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12055-213660.

Modelled in the round with columnar head and neck, pinched and impressed facial details, applied collar and calf-length skirt; repaired. 203 grams, 18.5 cm



Collection of a deceased London gentleman, 1979-1999, by descent.

Broad terracotta bowl with extensive inked inscription and symbols to the inner face; repaired and partly disassembled. 382 grams total, 9-17 cm



From an important family collection, London and Geneva.

Aramaic incantation bowls are particular to the Sassanian period and have been found in 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 those faced in child-birth, illness and evil spirits.