Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0944
Terracotta Magical Bowl Bearing an Incantation Against Evil Spirits
4TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
6 1/8 in. (260 grams, 15.5 cm wide).
Of rounded, conical form and bearing a spiralling pseudo-Aramaic incantation to the bowl interior.
Provenance
From a collection of pottery formed in the 1970-1980s.
Literature
Cf. The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, accession number: 80.001.0001.
Footnotes
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.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0944
Terracotta Magical Bowl Bearing an Incantation Against Evil Spirits
Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
RELATED LOTS
-
Assyrian Bronze Arm and Hand Type Brooch
Circa 7th-5th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
The bow decorated with circumferential grooves, one arm ending with the partially preserved wire coil; the catchplate in the form of a hand engraved with an X; accompanied by a display frame with information ticket. 186 grams total, 10 x 10.3 cm including frame
Ex Robin Symes Gallery, London, UK, 1990s. From a Leicestershire, UK, collection.
Fibulae with triangular bows (type 3 of Curtis classification) were the most common in Assyria. At least 66 bronze examples have been found at Nimrud, 32 in the graves and tombs at Ashur, 14 at Kouyunjik (some of them represented only by fragments), three at Nebbi Yunus, six at Khorsabad, three at Sharif Khan, all fragmentary, and single examples at Tell Billa and Tell al Rimah. -
Syro-Neo-Hittite Bearded Figure Amulet and Gold Pendant Mount
Mid-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £160
Carved as a slender human head wearing a conical cap with stylised facial features, drilled for suspension and mounted on a later gold hoop. 4.14 grams, 28 mm
From a family collection formed 1900-1950; by descent circa 1980. -
Safavid Ceramic Tile with Flowers
17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Decorated with a polychrome design composed of a central star formed from a ring of small hexagons, each with a stylised flower head at the centre; partial flower to each of the six corners of the tile; remains of glaze; restored. 968 grams, 21 cm
Fine condition, heavily restored.
Aquired from the UK art market. Private Scottish collection.
