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LOT 1254
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.
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 1254
Western Asiatic Basalt Tablet with Cuneiform Inscription
Estimate £2,500 - 3,500€2,900 - 4,060 (for guidance only)$3,380 - 4,730 (for guidance only)
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Modelled with an hourglass figure, hands clasping her breasts, wearing a headdress, earrings, a necklace and bracelets, detailing to her public region and semi-naturalistic facial features; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 137 grams total, 14.5 cm high including stand
Fine condition.
Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Previously with Mansour Gallery, London W1. Property of a North West London gentleman. From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent. -
Sumerian Black Stone Face Amulet
Uruk/Jemdet Nasr Period, circa 3500-2900 B.C. or laterEstimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
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From the 'S' collection, acquired 1970-1990s. Accompanied by a description from Peter Gert Van der Veen, senior lecturer of Levantine Archaeology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz. 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. -
Luristan Bronze Arrowhead Collection
13th-6th century B.C.Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £65
Comprising triangular types with thick midrib, heater-shaped, leaf-shaped, and other types. 340 grams total, 8.7-17.5 cm
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