Rolled Aramaic Lead Magical Text Scroll

Domed underside with cuneiform text to the upper face; chipped. 114 grams, 70 mm



Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992. Thence by descent to family members. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This small collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.

Comprising a large quantity of variously shaped beads in lapis lazuli, carnelian, agate, glass and other materials. 87.1 grams total, 2-21 mm



UK gallery, early 2000s.

Glass is the premier bead material. Invented in the Middle East around 2500 B. C., glass making spread slowly. There are mainly two types of beads, drawn beads (when the tubes are cut in a short segments, which are usually agitated over heat to smooth off the sharp edges) or wound beads (made by wrapping molten glass around a rock, stick or wire. Once the bead is built up, it can be further pressed or paddled into shape, placed in a mold, or decorated with other colours of glass.

Pillow-shaped and bearing ten horizontal lines of cuneiform text to the principal face with one vertical line to the side. 60 grams, 58 mm



Acquired before 1990s/early 2000s. From the family collection of Jack Lyttle (1944-2023), Kilmacolm, Scotland; thence by descent to his granddaughter. Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.