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LOT 1191
Western Asiatic Turquoise Blue Glass Bead Necklace String
1ST MILLENNIUM B.C. AND LATER
18 1/8 in. (5.6 grams, 46 cm long).
Restrung using graduated oblate and other beads, central feature with larger oblate and barrel-shaped beads. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceUK gallery, early 2000s.
LiteratureCf. Shirdam, B., Mokhtari, S., Shen, A.H., ‘Persian Turquoise: The Ancient Treasure of Nwyshabur’ in Gems & Gemmology, December 2021, pp.240-257, fig.31.
FootnotesTurquoise has been known since prehistoric times, and it is widely used in jewellery in the Middle East (Egypt and Persia), the Far East (Tibet, Mongolia and China) and even by native North Americans. Turquoise was very fashionable also in Europe, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1191
Western Asiatic Turquoise Blue Glass Bead Necklace String
Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
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Fragmentary Jewish Magic Bowl with Aramaic Incantation Against Evil Spirits and Drawing of the Devil
Circa 4th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Broad terracotta bowl with extensive inked inscription and symbols to the inner face; repaired and partly disassembled. 382 grams total, 9-17 cm
From an important family collection, London and Geneva.
Aramaic incantation bowls are particular to the Sassanian period and have been found in 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 those faced in child-birth, illness and evil spirits. -
Western Asiatic Gold Pendant with Banded Agate Bead
8th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Comprising a barrel-shaped banded agate bead suspended vertically with a loop and collar above; a gold fusiform pendant below. 1.05 grams, 23 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
The pendant structure shows affinities with three beads of a necklace from Kition (MLA 1742/34, 6, 7) made of high carat gold-alloy, and obtained by joining two hemispheres, each one embossed out of thick plate. The upper hemisphere is pierced at the top, where a small round suspension loop is inserted and fused. -
Western Asiatic Openwork Gold Ring
Circa 4th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Composed of a round-section hoop and bowtie-shaped bezel with openwork filigree front and back face, central pellet to front face. 0.98 grams, 16.47 mm overall, 14.90 mm internal diameter (approximate size British E 1/2, USA 2 1/2, Europe 3, Japan 3)
Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman.
