Western Asiatic Mixed Glass Bead Necklace

Complete and of spherical form, containing clay 'tokens'; the outer face impressed with enigmatic motifs. 158 grams, 64 mm



Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1988. 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. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. Accompanied by a copy of previous typed and illustrated cataloguing sheets.

The tokens sealed within the bulla are believed to have been used as part of the accounting process in Sumerian or early Uruk agriculture.

Tubular haematite seal with incuse scene including a seated figure with a sceptre facing an ox-headed figure, star between, standing figure in flounced skirt to the rear; possibly Hittite workmanship. 2.6 grams, 17 mm



From the 'S' collection, acquired 1970-1990s. The collection was seen and studied by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993.

Carnelian with double register; to the top a kneeling naked male facing forward with curly hair and beard, holding plants in both hands towards a pair of goats to either side; the lower register with goats either side of a central plant motif. 4.1 grams, 29 mm



From an important London collection, formed before 1990. 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.