Western Asiatic Painted Terracotta Jar

Substantial ring with D-section hoop, tiered bezel with inset 4th-5th century A.D. carnelian gemstone, intaglio of a gryphon in flight. 15.87 grams, 33.98 mm overall, 18.34 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)



Acquired from a New York private collection, in the early 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a previous illustrated catalogue information page.

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.

Composed of two intersecting teardrop-shaped rings with plaited borders; two blue glass bead suspended from below with a granulated collar above; the decorative suspension loop with a granulated collar and an oblate carnelian bead. 1.78 grams, 45 mm



Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s. Accompanied by an old collection ticket.