Western Asiatic Conical Seal with Symbol and Inscription

A group of four gold pendants: one segmented pedant on a chain with domed plaques; one circular set with polished garnet; a lozenge-shaped plaque with granulated border and knop to three corners; flower bud-shaped pendant with suspension loop. 0.84 grams total, 9-14 mm



Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman.

A ceramic flat-based bowl, inscribed in spiral from the bottom inner wall to the rim with Aramaic text, and on the outer rim. 692 grams, 19.5 cm wide



Early 1990s London collection. Acquired on the UK art market. From a private collection, Lancashire, UK

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.

A group of four plano-convex stone stamp seals, each drilled for suspension and bearing an incuse design to base: a quadruped; cockerel with scorpion; ritual symbols; accompanied by a museum-quality impression of each seal. 26 grams total, 15-22 mm



From a UK private collection, 1980-1983.