Western Asiatic Stone Animal Seal

Featuring curved sides and bottom, scalloped upper edge; median figure in textured hat flanked by two resting camels on a pounced field; applied loop to each upper corner; some old repairs. 90 grams, 17 cm



London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s. with Bonhams, London, Islamic & India Art sale, circa 2015, p.45, lot 55. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.202353.

Ghurid Dynasty metalwork is poorly represented when compared to the architecture of the period, and the majority of surviving pieces are items of jewellery mostly in Russian museum collections. The sculptural nature of the decoration of this repoussé sheet sets it apart from the more usual output of Iran at this time, recalling the fine silversmithing of the Sasanian period.

Of rounded, conical form and bearing a spiralling pseudo-Aramaic incantation to the bowl interior. 260 grams, 15.5 cm wide



From a collection of pottery formed in the 1970-1980s.

Aramaic incantation bowls are particular to the Sassanian 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 child-birth, illness and evil spirits.

Comprising two flat-ended spatulas with twisted shafts and loop finials, and a pair of tweezers with rectangular panel either side decorated with wavy lines flanked by a punched dot border, suspension loop with ring to the apex. 15.4 grams total, 81-82 mm



Ex old English collection. London art market, 1980s.