Tall Western Asiatic Pottery Chalice

Pillow-shaped tablet with a Sumerian hymn to Sin-idinam, king of Larsa (1849-1843 BC), reading: '5-6 (the gods) granted him to exercise, in a sublime manner, kingship and the priestly office. 7-8 They made him sit upon a seat whose foundation is firm, a radiant throne ... 9-10 Once he had firmly secured the crown and the sublime radiance upon his head. 11 Sin, the firstborn son of Enlil, 12 bestowed upon him a sublime name. 13 Utu, the great judge of the universe, 14 caused law and justice to be established for him]. 15 The praise Sumer [...] ... 16 The vast and shining wisdom ...' 163 grams, 83 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. Accompanied by a translation by M. Guichard. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13269-253330.

Old Babylonian tablets were found in regular excavations from Khafaje and Kish, although, even today, the main body came from dealers. A definite date can be assigned to them only based on internal evidence. The scripts of the tablets vary a good deal: some tablets are written in archaic cursive, others in younger cursive, still others mix archaic and younger sign forms.

Domed openwork cover with inlays, the knop surrounded by a band of inlaid leaves, a band of Greek key motifs below and above the basal rim enclosing a series of figures in dynamic poses, three of the figures enclosed within a medallion and depicting a seated male with crossed legs and a bird on his right side. 345 grams, 14 cm



with a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s.

Polished cabochon in a gold frame with radiating bosses, integral loop; reverse with four incised columns of cuneiform text naming Kurigalzu II. 18.30 grams, 42 mm



Private collection, Mrs M.V., circa 1980s. Kept in Switzerland since the late 1980s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13202-249238.

The cuneiform inscription names Kurigalzu II (c.1332-1308 B.C.), 'strong man, King of Babylon, son of Burnaburiaš.' Kurigalzu II was one of the most powerful Kassite rulers, known for his military campaigns and extensive building projects, including the foundation of the city of Dur-Kurigalzu. Inscribed Kassite agate eye beads are rare and are generally understood to have served amuletic or votive functions, combining royal titulary with protective symbolism.