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LOT 0245
Sumerian Terracotta Bulla Envelope with Impressed Decoration
URUK PERIOD, 5500-3100 B.C.
2 1/8 in. (74 grams, 55 mm).
Spherical and hollow-formed with moulded animal and other ornament to the outer face; clay tokens inside.
ProvenanceSpecialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1988.
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.
Accompanied by a copy of a previous two page illustrated cataloguing note.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0245
Sumerian Terracotta Bulla Envelope with Impressed Decoration
Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,820
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Western Asiatic Terracotta Goddess Idol
3rd-2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
Free-standing, with a pinched, bird-like face, conical headdress or hairstyle, ornamental collar and stub arms; splayed foot. 57 grams, 13.5 cm high
Acquired in the 1970s. Ex European private collection. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Neo Assyrian Haematite Pazuzu Head
8th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Modelled in the round with grotesque features and fierce teeth exposed; drilled through the head for suspension. 16.2 grams, 24 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
In Babylonian mythology the demon Pazuzu was the son of the god Hanpa. His consort, the demon Lamaštu, carried fever and preyed upon children and pregnant women. She could be neutralised with appropriate spells and amulets, which also protected against other demons. For this reason, women wore an amulet with the effigy of Pazuzu around their necks during pregnancy. -
Achaemenid Bronze Phiale Mesomphalos
6th-4th century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
A hemispherical bowl with central raised boss. 217 grams, 15 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
