Western Asiatic Glass Vessel Collection

With bulbous body, narrow neck and broad trumpet-shaped mouth with central filler hole; short conical spout to the shoulder, ribbed strap handle, concentric rings to the lower body and base. 187 grams, 97 mm



From the important family collection of the late M.N., pre-1992.

Hemispherical with shallow circumferential groove around the internal rim; rounded base; tinned. 265 grams, 20 cm wide



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

Of rounded, conical form and bearing a spiralling pseudo-Aramaic incantation to the bowl interior. 260 grams, 15.5 cm wide



From a collection of pottery formed in the 1970-1980s.

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.