Western Asiatic Bronze Scaraboid Seal with Aramaic Inscription

A rectangular brick-shaped tablet, inscribed in cuneiform script across three vertical faces, with a single column to the fourth and a continuation of text across the top surface; the inscription a funerary curse relating to the tomb of Adad-šumu-lešir, warning against interference with the burial, reading in part: 'As for a stranger, or somebody who would approach that tomb, or would bring up a corpse out of it and bury his own within, or would touch the silver inside - Adad, Šamaš, or Nergal will fill his house and field with shortage, collapse, and murder. He will repay the property of that tomb sevenfold, dedicating it to Šuriha. For the offspring of Adad-šumu-lešir he shall be undone for taking out and bringing down objects in the tomb, and for burying another body within it. Month Kalmartu, third day, eponymy of Aššur-mušezib.' 333 grams, 14.3 cm



Acquired in 1996. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12872-241667.

This Middle Assyrian brick-shaped tablet bears a funerary inscription for the tomb of Adad-shumu-lesir, a name that reflects devotion to the storm god Adad, an important deity in the Assyrian pantheon. Tablets of this kind were often placed within or near tombs as a lasting record of the individual and to mark ownership or dedication of the burial space. The brick-like form reflects the architectural traditions of Mesopotamia, where inscribed bricks were commonly used in both building and commemorative contexts. Such inscriptions not only honoured the deceased but also served to preserve their name and memory, which was believed to be essential for the afterlife. Objects like this provide valuable insight into Assyrian funerary practices and the importance placed on remembrance and identity beyond death.

Comprising a broad body with slightly flared rim and rounded body tapering to a narrow base; painted multilinear band below the rim with scoops above; repaired. 5 kg, 33.5 cm



with Mahboubian Gallery, London, UK, 1974. Private collection, London, UK.

Annular in profile with incuse standing ibex motif. 11.26 grams, 23.44 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.