Western Asiatic Terracotta Pitcher

A Nabataean or Hellenistic libation table with drum-shaped body and four stub legs ending in bovine hooves; circumferential bands of egg-and-dart ornament, ropework ornament to the rim, dished upper face to accept votive offerings. 19.2 kg, 25 cm



Ex Paris collection. French gallery, Paris, 1990-2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11927-209636.

Rooms in Greek and Roman houses were largely devoid of furniture, and instead more emphasis was given to the display of works of art: mosaic floors, wall paintings, and freestanding bronze and marble sculpture. However, domestic altars have been found in various Greek and Roman houses (especially in Pompeii). This unusual small table with its elaborate support was likely to have been used to deposit fruit, sweets and other types of small gifts as offerings. Such tables were used in all the Greek and provincial Roman world, even by the Nabataean Arabs during the Roman period.

Pillow-shaped with substantial remains of text to two faces. 212 grams, 95 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. This small collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.

Accompanied by a typed and signed scholarly note written 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, which states: 'This bears the shape of the design, with flat compartmented face and flat back, on which a handle of inverted V-shape is mounted. The design consists of a heraldic eagle, with head sideways at the top, body beneath, and wings spread and curving downwards. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. it is a fine design and in very good condition save that the lower part of the body is missing.' 17.2 grams, 38 mm high



Ex S Collection, London, UK, 1970-1990s. Accompanied by a typed scholarly note signed 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 with reference no.V-619.