Western Asiatic Terracotta Bowl

The circular bezel formed from coiled wire and embellished with a central cross of pellets within a pellet border, supported by a tripartite hoop. 7.98 grams, 22.63 mm overall, 16.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)



Ex private collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.

Formed with a tapering round-section shaft and discoid head displaying a repoussé scene composed of a horned animal head over a pair of serpents, mythical hybrid creatures with bird heads and goat legs grappling with serpent-like birds, leaping goat at base, all framed by a pelletted roundel; mounted on a custom-made backing board with fabric covering. 157 grams, 37.5 cm



From a London, UK, gallery, 1980s.

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.