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LOT 0299
Western Asiatic Gold Ring with Inscribed Sardonyx Gemstone
10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (7.33 grams, 27.65 mm overall, 13.76 x 14.32 mm internal diameter (approximate size British E 1/2, USA 2 1/2, Europe 3, Japan 3)).
With stepped shoulders supporting a cell bezel with a claw setting.
ProvenancePrivate collection, acquired on the German art market in 1993; thence by descent.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13183-249300.
Cf. Wärmländer, Ss.K.T.S., Wåhlander, L., Saage, R., Rezakhani, K., Hassan, S.A.H., 'Analysis and Interpretation of a Unique Arabic Finger Ring from the Viking Age Town of Birka, Sweden' in Scanning, volume 37, 2015, pp.131–137, fig.1 for a gemstone of similar shape with partially similar inscription.
FootnotesRings from the 9th-13th centuries represent a variety of artistic achievements; the techniques were elaborate, and the rings show rich decoration. The rings were set with cabochons, table-cut oval or rectangular stones such as turquoise, rubies, garnets or other precious stones. The Arabic inscription, engraved with early Kufic characters, contains the expression “AL__LLH”, which could be interpreted as “il-la-lah”, i.e. “For/to Allah”.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0299
Western Asiatic Gold Ring with Inscribed Sardonyx Gemstone
Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
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Mesopotamian Terracotta Cuneiform Tablet
Early 2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
A fragmentary section of a large pillow-shaped tablet with impressed cuneiform text on two sides. 150 grams, 87 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. -
Western Asiatic Glass and Stone Bead Necklace String
1st millennium B.C. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £13
Composed mainly of oblate beads, the central feature a large barrel-shaped bead, restrung. 21.7 grams, 38 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. -
Kassite Agate Eye Bead with Cuneiform Inscription for King Kurigalzu II in Gold Mount
1400-1000 B.C.Estimate: £80,000 - 100,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £40,000
Polished cabochon in a gold frame with radiating bosses, integral loop; reverse with four incised columns of cuneiform text naming Kurigalzu II. 18.30 grams, 42 mm
Private collection, Mrs M.V., circa 1980s. Kept in Switzerland since the late 1980s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13202-249238.
The cuneiform inscription names Kurigalzu II (c.1332-1308 B.C.), 'strong man, King of Babylon, son of Burnaburiaš.' Kurigalzu II was one of the most powerful Kassite rulers, known for his military campaigns and extensive building projects, including the foundation of the city of Dur-Kurigalzu. Inscribed Kassite agate eye beads are rare and are generally understood to have served amuletic or votive functions, combining royal titulary with protective symbolism.
