Western Asiatic Mixed Blue Glass Bead Necklace String

Comprising: one with a tapering stem, three radiating knops beneath the biconical finial; the other with ribbed upper part of the stem with a flanged collar, large finial with eight radiating flanges. 30 grams total, 10-11 cm



From a UK private collection, before 1980.

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.

Model horses each with splayed legs and a stub to the rump (to accept a rider figure?). 5.09 grams total, 37-40 mm



Private collection formed in the 1990s. Acquired from a central London gallery. Property of an Essex gentleman.