Western Asiatic Bronze Dagger Blade Collection

Trilobate in design with strap handle to the reverse, accompanied by typed and signed note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 52 x 51 x 48 x 17mm. This bears the shape of the design, with flat face and flat back, on which is mounted a handle of inverted V-shape. The design, which is compartmented, consists of three similar parts meeting in the middle. Each part consists of a supporting arm which divides into two joined rough scallops at its end. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. The edges are dented and the piece somewhat bent, but generally it is in good condition. The arms may depict something, but they are difficult to interpret. It is a rare design.' 33 grams, 52 mm



Ex collection of a late London gentleman, 1990s. Accompanied by an original typed and signed scholarly note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993. 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.

Drum-shaped vessel with reserved frieze to the outer face: two lions advancing towards an ibex with head bowed; shallow socket to each of the eyes to accept an inlay panel. 381 grams, 10.4 cm wide



Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12706-236260. 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.

Comprising: large domed vessel with rounded rim and four painted segments each with repeated symbols; plus a smaller non ancient conical vessel with inturned rim, painted legend in three concentric rings and symbol to centre. 388 grams total, 9.1-16.5 cm



Acquired on the German art market, 1989-1995. with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1, UK, 1998-2003. Property of a London based academic, 2003-present. 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.

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 those faced in child-birth, illness and evil spirits.