May 11, 2023 10:00 EST
Rare Books, Autographs & Maps
42
Estate / Collection: The Margolis Collection
[EARLY WRITING]
Mesopotamian terracotta cuneiform tablet, Third Dynasty of Ur. circa 1973-1964 B.C. Clay tablet, housed in a fitted felt-padded clamshell case. 3 1/8 x 2 inches (8 x 5 cm); inscribed recto and verso in Sumerian cuneiform, from the reign of King Shu-Sin, with several figural outlines front and back, one offering a cup, likely from a cylinder seal. Chipped at corners affecting text, portions on verso scraped with loss.
Apparently a merchant's accounts from the kingdom of Sumer and Akkad, the 6th year of the rein of Shu-Sin. An exceptional attractive example of cuneiform writing, and as early an expression of calligraphy as can reasonably be obtained.
Sold for $1,750
Estimated at $1,500 - $2,500
Includes Buyer's Premium
Estate / Collection: The Margolis Collection
[EARLY WRITING]
Mesopotamian terracotta cuneiform tablet, Third Dynasty of Ur. circa 1973-1964 B.C. Clay tablet, housed in a fitted felt-padded clamshell case. 3 1/8 x 2 inches (8 x 5 cm); inscribed recto and verso in Sumerian cuneiform, from the reign of King Shu-Sin, with several figural outlines front and back, one offering a cup, likely from a cylinder seal. Chipped at corners affecting text, portions on verso scraped with loss.
Apparently a merchant's accounts from the kingdom of Sumer and Akkad, the 6th year of the rein of Shu-Sin. An exceptional attractive example of cuneiform writing, and as early an expression of calligraphy as can reasonably be obtained.
Auction: Rare Books, Autographs & Maps, May 11, 2023
