A silver phiale mesomphalos with intersecting bulbous gadroons to the base, flaring rim and central boss decorated with rosette and framed by lines; short cuneiform inscription to the rim; accompanied by an old scholarly note, handwritten and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Silver dish: central omphalos, 6 small gadroons around base, 18 larger gadroons around the sides, flaring in to base of rim, which then flares outwards. On outside of rim an inscription: Ampirish, king of Samati, son of Dabala. This is a Neo-Elamite vessel, c.900-600 B.C. from a small kingdom of Samati - precise location unknown. Condition fine. Important for pre-Achaemenid art and the history of West Iran.'

PROVENANCE:
From an important collection formed in the late 1970s and early 1980s; the property of a London gentleman. Accompanied by Professor Lambert's translation notes including adjustments from 1980s, and a later handwritten scholarly note with size and attached polaroid photograph. Accompanied by a positive X-Ray Fluorescence metal analysis certificate.

LITERATURE:
For the only other inscription for this king we can find see: Bonhams Knightsbridge, 14 May 2003, lot 242, sold for £1,047,250.00 including premium, accompanied by a copy of the catalogue listing.