Western Asiatic Magical Aramaic Plaque Pendant

A high-status green chalcedony seal with frieze depicting a seated figure in horned headdress facing a standing figure with arms outstretched, small monkey to the legs; six columns of Akkadian cuneiform text transliterated as: 1. ki-di-nu UGULA KUŠ-MEŠ 2. GAL šà tan-dru-hu- 3. ra-te-er EŠŠANA šu-ši 4. u an-za-an ARAD 5. šà dha-te-ri-iš 6. šak(?) ì-lí-šu 'Kidinu, chief overseer of the equerries(?) of Tan-Ruhurater, King of Susa and Anzan, servant of Haterishshak, his god'. The seal's owner was an official of King Tan-Ruhurater II (circa 1450 B.C.), king of Susa and Anzan. The title used to describe Kidinu is sometimes translated 'high official', elsewhere 'horse groom' or 'animal trainer'; the Elamite deity Haterish is otherwise unknown. 23.8 grams, 39 mm



From a Mayfair gallery, London, UK; previously acquired in the 1980s. Property of a North London lady; gifted from her father's collection. From a collection acquired from various auction houses in the UK. From the estate of Mr R.W., a private Wiltshire, UK, collector; thence by descent. Accompanied by a copy of a specialist academic report dated June 2017. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12122-215563.

Broad and of low conical profile with inturned carinated rim, basal ring; painted pattern of fronds and pellets. 97 grams, 13 cm



From an important collection of terracotta pre 1988, London and Geneva.

Bulbous in profile with low neck, circumferential painted bands, segmented and scrolled motifs. 2.16 kg, 26.5 cm



Ex London, UK, gallery, 1980s. From a UK private collection.