Safavid Ceramic Tile with Flowers

Each bearing cuneiform text to one or multiple faces. 70 grams total, 27-47 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.

Restrung designer necklace with a modern clasp; composed mainly of polished and graduated agate beads, together with central oval pendant bead and gold beads. 63 grams, 41 cm long



Collected from 1979-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.

Of rounded, conical form and bearing a spiralling pseudo-Aramaic incantation to the bowl interior. 260 grams, 15.5 cm wide



From a collection of pottery formed in the 1970-1980s.

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