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LOT 0285
Western Asiatic Basalt Tablet with Cuneiform Inscription
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
12 3/4 in. (7.85 kg, 32.6 cm).
Architectural fragment with rectangular band to one edge, carved decorative detailing with inscription.
ProvenancePrivate collection, Europe, thence by descent.
Private collection, since the late 1980s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12521-231989.
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.
See similar inscriptions in basalt in Lauinger, J., Batiuk S., ‘A stele of Sargon II at Tell Tayinat’ in Zeitschrift für Assyriologie, 2015; 105(1), pp.54-68.
FootnotesAmid the many architectural, sculptural, and textual riches of Assyria and Mesopotamia, the broken pieces of basalt bearing fragmentary cuneiform inscriptions have received little attention, but are of fundamental importance. Despite being quite fragmentary, these broken pieces of basalt are the remains of an important witness to the Assyrian imperial presence in the Near East.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0285
Western Asiatic Basalt Tablet with Cuneiform Inscription
Estimate £3,000 - 4,000€3,480 - 4,640 (for guidance only)$4,050 - 5,400 (for guidance only)
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Syrian Haematite Cylinder Seal with Worshipping Figures
Circa 1900-1700 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Cylinder with cord and bead handles; 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: 'Cylinder Seal of Hematite, 19 x 11.5 mm. The major part of the design consist of a seated figure, no doubt a god, holding up one hand in greeting to a standing figure, meant as a human worshipper, who similarly hold up one hand. Between them is a table with elegant legs on which rests a pile of breads. Above this is a motif probably intended as a stylized bull's head. The minor part of the design consists of a row of five walking men, the first raising one hand, the last carrying a crook over his shoulder. This is a Syrian seal, c. 1900-1700 B.C. and though the stone is somewhat worn, the design is fully clear.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 7.5 grams, 18 mm
UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in August 1991. 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. -
Achaemenid Bronze Handled Cup
6th-4th century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Comprising a wide shallow body with repoussé foot and separately applied strap handle. 50 grams, 12.6 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. -
Old Syrian Steatite Container with Engraved Pairs of Animals
3rd-2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £450
Rectangular tray with segmented upper face, each sidewall with incuse scene of two opposed animals (horses, goats) one with a human figure interposed. 820 grams, 10.9 cm
Private collection. Acquired in 2001. Private collection, Europe. 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.
