Western Asiatic Painted Chalice

A rare bronze cylinder seal with loop; two registers depicting figures with a wheeled vehicle, domestic animals and other items; possibly from the Bactria-Margiana archaeological complex. 19.2 grams, 26 mm



Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late S.M., thence by descent.

A rectangular bifacial clay tablet bearing cuneiform text to both principal faces and two side edges; a letter from Iluni, king of Ešnunna, to Inzuršakšu, king of Niqqum; Iluni answered to a letter from his ally who accused him of not having respected their agreements by not sending him an army as he had asked in a letter; he says he is attacked by the Elamites (neighbors of Niqqum), Iluni defends himself and considers that it is on the contrary Inzuršakšu who is in his wrong, he accuses him indeed not only of being the aggressor, but also of wanting to push him to enter in conflict with the Elamites, whom he was indeed himself a vassal, an incomplete draft of this letter was already known; excerpts: 'About the Elamite troop which rose against my country I had written to you to send me a reinforcement troop but you did not send me any troop. You have therefore violated your divine oath (...). This is what you have just written to me. It is you who have just violated your divine oath! Now you are willing to do bad things to this country and you want me to be angry with the Elamites. (...)' 179 grams, 94 mm wide



Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992. 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.

A draft of this message was already known but the present one gives a more complete version.

A round bottomed Bronze Age cup with strap handle. 145 grams, 10.2 cm

cracked, rim chipped.

Acquired on the London art market before 2000. Property of an Essex gentleman.