Western Asiatic Bronze Stemmed Goblet

Featuring curved sides and bottom, scalloped upper edge; median figure in textured hat flanked by two resting camels on a pounced field; applied loop to each upper corner; some old repairs. 90 grams, 17 cm



London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s. with Bonhams, London, Islamic & India Art sale, circa 2015, p.45, lot 55. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.202353.

Ghurid Dynasty metalwork is poorly represented when compared to the architecture of the period, and the majority of surviving pieces are items of jewellery mostly in Russian museum collections. The sculptural nature of the decoration of this repoussé sheet sets it apart from the more usual output of Iran at this time, recalling the fine silversmithing of the Sasanian period.

Written on two faces of the tablet; lentoid cross-section; accompanied by a handwritten and signed scholarly note issued by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: '3 Cassite Babylonian letters, 1600-1200 B.C.' 50.6 grams, 49 mm



Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992. Thence by descent to family members. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. Accompanied by a hand written note signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert.

Displaying a menorah within a roundel to one face; blank or worn reverse. 6.58 grams, 21 mm



Acquired 1969-1999. From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, thence by descent.