Western Asiatic Carnelian Bead Bracelet String

With incised frieze of a standing figure in pleated robe holding a sword towards a figure in floor-length fringed garment with raised arms, smaller figure behind him and a third in a tiered robe; group of four small figures to the rear. 8.97 grams, 23 mm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector; collection no.07. London collection, 2016.

Of rounded, conical form and bearing a spiralling pseudo-Aramaic incantation to the bowl interior. 260 grams, 15.5 cm wide



From a collection of pottery formed in the 1970-1980s.

Aramaic incantation bowls are particular to the Sassanian period and have been found in the regions of modern Iraq. 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 child-birth, illness and evil spirits.

With stylised repoussé head and face detailing, the mane represented by a scalloped border; sheet-silver cladding to the head; pierced for attachment. 82 grams, 76 mm



London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11871-206896.