Western Asiatic Handled Bronze Cup

Pillow-shaped with cuneiform text to both broad faces and one long edge; part of one face absent. 58 grams, 58 mm



From specialised collection of cuneiform texts, formed in the 1950s-1990s. The property of a London gentleman and housed in London, 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 1990s. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.

A panel of twelve glazed pictorial tiles in vibrant colours depicting a battle scene from the epic poem 'Shahnameh', written during the reign of Sultan Mahmoud Ghaznavi (979-1030 A.D). and presented to him by the poet Ferdowsi, with two warriors on horseback fighting with swords, four trumpeters above and wounded figures and discarded arms below; with three small cartouches of nastaʿlīq script inscription at top; the tiles set with ornamental studs at intersections; all mounted within a substantial part-gilt wooden frame for hanging or display. 24.5 kg, 87 x 68.5 cm



Ex Habib Anavian Galleries Ltd, New York, USA. with Mahboubian Gallery, London, UK. Accompanied by the original 1979 catalogue where this piece is published. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12129-217321.

Columnar in form with hatched shank, scooped ribs to the shoulder and foot, pierced knop above, trumpet-shaped base with array of pellets to the underside. 22 grams, 75 mm



From a collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.