Western Asiatic Gemstone with Kufic Inscription

With conical body, the inner face bearing the remains of concentric rings of inked magical Aramaic text, cracked. 393 grams, 16 cm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Aramaic incantation bowls are particular to the Sassanian period and have been found in regions of modern Iraq. These simple ceramic bowls, also known as 'magic bowls': each contains 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 those faced in childbirth, from illness and from evil spirits.

Ellipsoid in plan with rounded underside and inturned rim; inner face with central image of a peacock executed in tremolier technique. 160 grams, 15 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

In banded agate, rectangular body with stepped graduated finials, two pierced suspension lugs. 37.6 grams, 62 mm



Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971.