Sasanian Bronze Bowl

Flat-based bowl, inscribed in spiral from the bottom inner wall to the rim with Aramaic text. 360 grams, 17.6 cm



Private collection, 1980s. UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK

Aramaic incantation bowls are particular to the Sasanian 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 childbirth, illness and evil spirits.

Profile figure standing, wearing a tiered and flounced floor-length robe; chipped; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 10.2 grams, 28 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Domed body with transverse piercing, the underside with a deeply engraved image of a stylised standing animal with long ears and erect tail; supplied with museum-quality impressions. 5.04 grams, 19 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.