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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.
ProvenanceFrom a collection of pottery formed in the 1970-1980s.
LiteratureCf. The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, accession number: 80.001.0001.
FootnotesAramaic 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0944
Terracotta Magical Bowl Bearing an Incantation Against Evil Spirits
Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
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Uruk Clay Pictographic Tablet with Economic Text Relating to Farm Produce
Mid 2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,160
Written on two faces; lentoid cross-section. 43.6 grams, 66 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. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11870-201160. -
Western Asiatic Double-Handled Terracotta Drinking Vessel
Mid 1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £128
Of squat and carinated form with flared rim, loop handles with serrated thumb pads, incised chevrons with dashed fill around the upper body. 144 grams, 15 cm wide
with a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s. -
Western Asiatic Shell Cylinder Seal with Throne Scenes
Circa 3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
With low-relief carved scene of two addorsed bearded figures on thrones, tree between them, amphora with drinking straws held to the mouth of each figure. 14.4 grams, 29 mm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector, collection no.051. London collection, 2016.
