Western Asiatic Terracotta Bowl

Bearing pictographs to the two principal faces; of pillow-shaped form. 112 grams, 89 mm



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. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.201149.

The purpose of these items is not known for sure but the combination of pictograms and impressed points has led to the suggestion that they were used for tallying quantities of various commodities.

With trumpet-style neck, chamfered rim with bridge to conical spout and integral strap handle, polychrome painted frieze incorporating stylised 'net' motifs between concentric plain bands of varying thicknesses and geometric motifs to the handle and spout. 1.15 kg, 21 cm high



Acquired before 2000. Property of a London, UK, gentleman. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

Raised from a single sheet of metal, with a squat tapering body and broad everted rim, the interior punch-decorated with a band of five-pointed stars within roundels to the rim and geometric floral motifs to the bowl, encircled by stylised flowerheads and circlets. 468 grams, 27 cm wide



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.