Western Asiatic Alabaster Bowl

Conical in profile with pierced lug handle; intaglio figure of the 'Tree of Life' with lateral rampant ibexes. 26.4 grams, 39 mm



From the collection of Mr S.M., London, UK, formed from 1979-1999. 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.

Thimble-shaped tapering cylinder with convex face; accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Grey Chalcedony 21 x 19.5 x 30 mm. This is a conoid with oval convex face, pierced vertically near the top. The face shows a worship scene: a man in a long robe standing holding up one hand to a stand on which lies the mušhuššu-monster (part lion part snake) on the back of which rise the spade (symbol of the god Marduk) and two styluses (symbol of the god Nabû). There is a lunar crescent in the sky and a two-sign cuneiform inscription behind the man. This is a Late Babylonian seal, c. 600-350 B.C. from Mesopotamia or south-west Iran. The inscription consists of two signs: AN DUH x DUH and is well known on Late Babylonian stamp seals, but the second sign is unknown outside these seal inscriptions. The most probable explanation (based on related seal inscriptions) is that it means: "Cause him to have a god" which means "make him successful," a personal god brings success. The head of the standing figure is chipped, otherwise this seal is in very good condition, and is large for its type.'; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 18.8 grams, 29.79 mm high



with Christie's, London, 25 April 2001, no.464 [Part]. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in July 2001. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12566-230321. 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.

With flanged rim, central mesomphalos boss surrounded by radiating lotus petals. 167 grams, 16.5 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.

Phiale mesomphalos (literally: bowl with central boss) were the most popular form of vessel and were produced in a number of materials, including clay, bronze, silver and gold. They are a distinctive type of Achaemenid tableware, made by hammering or raising sheet metal, with decoration added in repoussé. They were used in banquets held by the nobility and for pouring libations at religious festivals. Phiales of this kind were a common gift from the Achaemenid king to the nobility which helped cement alliances among the different tribes of the Empire. The central boss to the underside allowed the user to secure their fingers and ensure a solid grip whilst drinking or pouring.