Western Asiatic Terracotta Single-Handled Pouring Vessel

Hemispherical type with pointillé ring to inner face and starburst motif, band of incised lozenges to outer face with ring-and-dot to centre of each. 874 grams, 25 cm wide



Ex Abelita collection, 1990s.

With flat rim to the mouth, undercut waist and flat shoulder, rounded base. 1.31 kg, 14.8 cm wide



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

With conical body, the inner face bearing the remains of concentric rings of inked magical Aramaic text. 285 grams, 17.2 cm wide



Private collection, 1980s. 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.