Sarmatian Gold Hinged Bracelet

A bifacial rectangular tablet with lentoid cross-section, the two principal faces bearing cuneiform text relating to a distribution for several individuals whose names are recorded in the left-hand column (Sîn-bēl-ilī Masitum, Sinatum, etc.), probably Babylonian soldiers, the document dates to the end of the first Babylonian dynasty; repaired. 353 grams, 13 cm wide



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. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.

A terracotta footed vessel comprising a broad carinated bowl with painted hatching to the rim, stepped stem and flared base with rolled rim; painted bands above the base. 3.6 kg, 28 cm wide



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

A ceramic flat-based bowl, inscribed in spiral from the bottom inner wall to the rim with Aramaic text, and on the outer rim. 692 grams, 19.5 cm wide



Early 1990s London collection. Acquired on the UK art market. From a private collection, Lancashire, UK

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.