Western Asiatic Ceramic Oil Lamp and Ladle

Pillow-shaped with impressed cuneiform text to both broad faces. 20.9 grams, 35 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. This small collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. 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 a domed body rising to a pierced suspension lug, underside with discoid plaque and reversed incuse Arabic legend: 'Modda ibn Abdullah', a personal name also serving as a religious expression roughly translating to, 'Don't be a slave to anyone but Allah'. 16.6 grams, 17 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. 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.

Cylinder with cord and bead handles; accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Cylinder Seal of Black Stone, 23.5 x 10.5 mm. The design shows a standing figure dressed on a long robe open at the front from which one leg projects while holding out both hands, one up the other more down. Before him is a standing quadruped with horns, and in the sky is the lunar crescent. This is a rare Iranian seal type from South West Iran, dating c. 800-500 B.C. So far none have some from excavations, but they have been known on the market for some time. They all share the characteristic pose of the hands and a certain crudity of execution. This one is in fine condition.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.9 grams, 23 mm



UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in July 1991. 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.