Western Asiatic Ceramic Chalice

The surviving fragment comprising a tapering cylindrical body and splayed head, bearing Akkadian text to both the head and stem. 793 grams, 10 cm



From an important collection pre 1988. Private collection, London, UK, 1990s-2000s. J.L. collection, Surrey, UK, 2000s.

This clay cone was inscribed with a dedication of Lipit-Eshtar, who ruled the city of Isin in southern Mesopotamia circa 1934-1924 B.C. This cone was probably created for the construction of a temple (the E-ninisa, 'House of Justice') at Namgarum.

Inscribed on one face with a seven-panelled pictographic grid, with a branch above; the reverse inscribed with a branch and a motif containing two drilled circles. 42 grams, 69 mm

Very fine condition, chipped.

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. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11335-190939.

Composed mainly of restrung and graduated lozenge-shaped and spherical beads, together with later gold beads of different types adorned with granulated collars and filigree; modern silver-gilt hook-and-eye clasp. 44.2 grams, 43.5 cm long



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