Western Asiatic Stone and Other Bead Necklace String

Flat-based bowl, inscribed in spiral from the bottom inner wall to the rim with Aramaic text. 360 grams, 17.6 cm



Private collection, 1980s. UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK

Aramaic incantation bowls are particular to the Sasanian period and have been found in the 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 childbirth, illness and evil spirits.

Comprising a slender D-section hoop and a large oval bezel with a later carnelian cabochon engraved with a two-line inscription. 6.28 grams, 27.36 mm overall, 18.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

With a deep hemispherical bowl and three stub feet, two lateral trapezoidal flanges to the rim, each with an arched handle; similar flange to forward edge with reserved panel of scrolled foliage; to the rear, flange with shallow median socket decorated with scrolled tendrils, two lateral discs each with a star of intersecting triangles; signed by Muhammad Bin Husayn. 5.75 kg, 43.5 cm



with Christie's, South Kensington, Art & Textiles of The Islamic & Indian Worlds, 8 April 2011, no.150. Private collection, UK.