Western Asiatic Cream Stone Bead Necklace String

Octagonal tabular bifacial panel with incised borders; dense nastaliq script to each face; with old collector's note with transliteration and translation 'Constant hearing with the blessing of the name Muhammed / Sakander Abbas'. 1.63 grams, 17 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

The Nastaʿlīq was one of the most important and widespread calligraphic styles used to write Persian. It was developed in Iran in the 8th and 9th centuries. It was also occasionally used to write the original Arabic language, known as taʿliq, for the titles and headings of books or printed publications, but its use was predominant in Persian, Ottoman Turkish, Urdu, and other languages ​​of Perso-Indian influence. Nastaʿlīq is still widespread in Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan for written poetry and as a form of artistic expression (arabesque).

Openwork seal with a tall handle, accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 26 x 26 x 17 mm. This has a round flat engraved face, and the back rises steeply to the pierced loop handle. The design appears as abstract, that is it does nor depict anything from nature.This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2000-1500 B.C. It is in very good condition.' 12.8 grams, 36 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly report, numbered D-5, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert.

Comprising a bulbous body with basal ring, tubular body with flared upper end, deeply curved spout with hinged cover, strap handle attached at the shoulder, hinged lid with knop handle; stamped and incised bands of guilloche, ropework, tendrils and other motifs. 621 grams, 21 cm



with Roseberys, 22 October 2020, no.204. Private collection, London, UK.