Western Asiatic Manuscript Fragment

Carved stone modelled in the round recumbent bull with collar to the neck, legs folded beneath the body, drilled at the shoulder; supplied with a custom-made stand. 15.57 grams total, bull: 36 mm long



Acquired prior to 1970. Ex collection Thétis, Geneva, Switzerland. with Christie ́s London, 25 October 2012, Lot 143 [Part]. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate number 6962.WW, dated 20 June 2013. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages.

With conical body, the inner face bearing concentric rings of inked magical Aramaic text, repaired. 357 grams, 19 cm wide



Ex Family collection, London, UK, pre 1988.

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 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 those faced in child-birth, illness and evil spirits.

Comprising a substantial round-sectioned pin with bulbous poppy-shaped head with three turrets below. 73 grams, 17.7 cm



UK private collection formed before 2000. Ex North London, UK, gallery.